Eat Chia Seeds

Did you ever eat chia seeds? Have you ever heard of them? I always thought they were those special novelty plants for making the chia pottery gifts you usually see around Christmas time. I did not know you could eat chia seeds.

How did I discover you can eat chia seeds?

I think many people agree that once you start figuring out a system for exercising regularly and eating right, you begin to want to research and learn more. You also try new things. Once I finished P90X I wanted better results. I began to learn how important food choices really are. I knew to “eat right,” but really never delved into the incredible options out there.

So, over time I learned to tolerate (end even enjoy) vegetables and other foods I would have deemed awful! Some of those I passed judgement on purely based on their name or my mindset of what they were. Wheat grass and quinoa were two of those items. “They sound weird, so much be weird and not good at all! Hippie food!” How ignorant I was with their health benefits.

Which brings me to my discovery. One that has been consumed for thousands of years, but I only thought they were for novelty. Chia Seed. Yep. You heard me. Cha Cha Cha Chia! You can eat chia seeds!

I learned about them from a book my wife was reading and chia seed was integrated a lot into daily food plans. I thought, wow! You can eat chia seeds? That has got to be the weirdest thing ever.

My Research to Eat Chia Seeds

Well, I had to research and try! I bought a 2 pound bag of organic chia seed and followed the directions to soak them in water. After just 15 min they expand and gelled up. They looked like clear tapioca. As a matter of fact, I have made chia pudding with these seeds! It’s really cool.Chia seeds taste fine on their own. You can put them in your mouth and the will gel up! They are really good when mixed with something like a juice or shake. I blended chia seed with almond milk and Shakeology powder to make a really great dessert or treat! It’s like a chocolate tapioca!

Eat Chia Seeds – A Regular Household Staple

Chia seeds as a regular part of our eating routine and staple in the cupboard? Why? Well, there are MANY health benefits below that these tiny gems provide. Pretty amazing. Plus, you’ll see from the image above that I think it stimulates hair growth.. so what if it’s green! :).

In all seriousness, I do know when I eat chia seeds, they make me feel a bit fuller and I want to say have more energy.

I think that’s why chia seed is one of the 70 whole food ingredients put into Shakeology. Nothing but the most beneficial, healthy ingredients in that product! Impressive!

So, give them a try. I bought my chai seeds from Amazon and looked for organic. I am betting the popularity of these will over exploited soon like Aca and Goji. Especially after Dr. Oz gets the word out! Enjoy!

Eat Chia Seeds – The Benefits

Nutritional Benefits:

Chia Seed is a Good Source of: B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper.
According to study, Chia possesses the highest percentage of the polyunsaturated fatty acids(linolenic and linoleic) of all crops. Chia seed contain 60% omega 3 fatty acids.
The protein content of Chia is higher that other nutritional grains. Unlike other grains, it is a complete protein, meaning that it has the appropriate balance of all essential amino acids. About 19 to 23% of chia seed weight is protein.
Chia seed is high in fiber, a 15 gm serving of chia seeds will provide 4 to 5 gm of fiber. Our body requires at least 35 gm of fiber a day to stay healthy.
Chia seed contain boron which is essential for bone health.
Chia seed is rich in calcium, about 2 oz of chia seeds contains 600 mg of Calcium, as compared to 120 mg for a cup of milk.
Chia seeds has 2 times more potassium than banana.
Chia seeds has 3 times more antioxidants than blueberries.
Grows hair too, although I have no proof of that!

Eat Chia Seeds – Uses

Chia seed is a versatile ingredient to integrate into foods like baked goods, soup, sandwiches, sauces, smoothies and in recipes where you ordinarily use sesame seeds. Chia can be eaten raw, hydrated or cooked. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per serving.

If you find yourself adding chia seeds to your eating plan, you owe it to yourself to try this Pumkin Pie “Tapioca” Chia Pudding.