ch. ch. ch. chia.

Here's a question for you: Have you heard of chia seeds? Have you ever tried chia seeds? 

I've been reading up on the benefits of chia seeds and decided to add them to my morning bowl of oatmeal. This morning was my first attempt, and so far, so good. Chia seeds are a pretty recent addition to the health sphere. You can find them at any health food store and most supermarkets. They resemble the size, shape and colour of poppy seeds. When you add them to a dish they absorb liquid and turn into a gel. They are virtually tasteless, so they can be made to taste like whatever you wish. Pretty cool, huh!? 

Read up on the benefits of CHIA:

1. Stabilises blood sugar and reduces cravings - Chia turns into a gel due to soluble fiber (known to lower cholesterol and promote heart health). The gel slows down the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar in  your digestive system, thus stabilising blood sugar. The result is consistent energy levels and reduced cravings. 
2. Helps concentration and mood- Chia is an excellent source of Essential Fatty Acids, which are critical for concentration and other brain functions.
3. Fills you up - Chia seeds grow and swell in water, helping to make you feel full. 
4. Improves digestive health - Chia contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Both types of fiber are healthy for the digestive system. Insoluble fiber cleans the intestinal tract. Soluble fiber can act as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your digestive system. 
5. Builds lean muscle mass - Chia is high in protein and helpful in a weight loss. It's low-carb and vegetarian.
6. Better nutrition!! - By maintaining proper hydration and electrolytes in your stomach you are able to more effectively absorb other nutrients. For example, the essential fatty acids in chia help the body emulsify and absorbs fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. 
7. Builds strong bones - Chia contains calcium as well as the trace mineral boron, which speeds the rate at which calcium is absorbed and utilised by the body.
8. Healthy nails, skin, and hair - The same essential fatty acids that help with mental clarity, also help skin, nails, and hair grow strong and healthy. They are additionally a great source of protein.
9. Hydration! - Chia helps maintain hydration. Enough said. 

Fun facts about Chia: 

1. Chia seeds can soak up to ten times their weight in water! The seed-turned-gel is actually soluable fiber that swells in water, turning into hydrophylic colloid, which is restorative for digestive health issues. 
2. Chia seeds are the best plant source of omega-3's. They contain over 60% essential fatty acids. They contain more omega-3's than flax seed. 
3. Chia seeds do not need to be ground for their nutrients to be available to the body. Chia has a super long shelf life, so there's no need to worry about expiration dates!
4. Chia is loaded with antioxidants, also providing calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, zinc, and even boron (which helps the absorbing of calcium by the body). 
5. Chia is a gluten free source of fiber and nutrition (three cheers for all of us celiac/chron's sufferers). 
6. Chia is composed of over 20% protein, which is about 2 to 3 times higher than other seeds and grains. 
7. Chia has a low glycemic index of 1, and helps to lower the rate at which other carbohydrates are converted to sugars. 

So give 'em a go and see what you think. You can read more about the benefits of chia seeds here. My chia seeds are helping my belly feel full, so I will absolutely try them again and again. Any great recipe suggestions? Ideas?