Chia Super Food for Energy, Weight Loss & More
Looking to increase energy, improve blood sugar balance, lose weight and enhance digestion?
Chia seeds might be the answer. If you follow a low-oxalate diet, then chia seeds should be avoided.
Yes, chia seeds, just like you got with your Chia Pet!
Who would eat those things?
The Tarahumara Indians for one.
They live in the Sierra Madre mountains in Northern Mexico. They are ultra-runners able to run extraordinary distances through the canyons and narrow footpaths of the mountains.
The Tarahumara run distances of 100, 200 even 400 miles in a period of 48 hours – without shoes or sometimes wearing huarache sandals.
Christopher McDougall, author of the best seller, Born to Run, visited the Tarahumara and learned that they drink a beverage of soaked chia seeds which they find gives them superior strength and endurance.
What are chia seeds?
Chia is an annual herb from the mint family. Chia seeds, from the herb, are one of nature’s most nutritious foods.
Chia seeds are a tiny edible seeds that are easily digested.
They are grain-free and gluten-free.
What to buy
Purchase whole Chia Seeds
How to use chia seeds
When chia seeds are soaked, this slows the digestion and keeps blood sugar balanced.
Soaking seeds enhances the absorption of nutrients into the body, while creating an odd-looking drink resembling fish eggs (amaze your friends that you have the fortitude to drink chia gel!).
Chia Drink!
- 1 Tbs chia seeds
- 8 ounces of water
- the juice of 1/2 lemon or a few drops of lemon or orange vitality essential oil
Let sit for 30 minutes or more, stir and drink.
When using fresh lemon juice, rinse your mouth and teeth after consuming because the lemon juice is acidic and hard on your teeth.
Why soak chia?
This fiber-rich seed has the ability to absorb seven times its weight in water, creating a gel-like substance. The chia gel helps slow the release of carbohydrates keeping blood sugar levels more stable.
This slow release of energy means you will have sustained energy levels and feel full longer which reduces cravings and snacking.
Other ways to use chia
Add chia gel to:
- green smoothies
- sauces, beverages or other foods
Chocolate Chia Pudding
- 1-1/4 cup Almond Milk
- 1/4 cup Raw Cacao Powder
- 1/4 cup Chia Seeds
- 2 tsp Raw Honey
- 1/4 tsp Liquid Stevia drops
- Pinch of Redmond’s Real Salt
Blend ingredients together, Pour into serving dishes, refrigerate 4-12 hours or overnight.
Add whole or ground chia seeds to salads, soups or stews
Benefits of chia seeds
- Rich In Antioxidants
- Full of Important Nutrients
- Chia is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, iron, zinc and copper.
What About Omega-3 in Chia Seeds?
While I love to include chia seeds in a smoothie for many health benefits, I don’t eat them for the omega-3 content. Chia and other plants touted for omega-3 benefits actually have alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) form of omega-3 but our brain needs DHA and EPA form. The ALA form has to be converted in the body to EPA and DHA and this is very inefficient.
“Omega-3 fatty acids come from two main sources: marine sources like cold-water fish and algae, and plant-based sources like flax and green vegetables. People mistakenly think these two sources are equally beneficial, but marine sources are actually far superior. Here’s why.
“Flax contains essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can be converted to the two primary fats shown to benefit health, EPA and DHA.
“However, even under optimal lifestyle and health conditions, only about 5% of ALA converts to EPA, and just 0.5% converts to DHA. Put in simpler terms, consuming a 10-ounce bag of flax-meal would provide the equivalent amount of EPA+DHA found in a single serving of Nordic Naturals fish oil. In light of the body’s limited ability to convert EPA and DHA from ALA, it is generally recommended that omega-3s be obtained directly from cold-water fish or fish oil.” [source]
1 Tbs chia seeds provide
- 2 grams protein
- 1 gram net carbs
- 5 grams fiber
Do you avoid seeds because of diverticulitis?
Michael Picco MD of the Mayo Clinic has this to say:
” ...there is no scientific evidence that seeds and nuts cause diverticulitis flares. In fact, eating a high-fiber diet — which may include nuts and seeds — may reduce the risk of diverticular disease.”
Learn what can REAL food do for you! Get the Reclaim Diet book.
Affiliate links are in this post. This is not medical advice. Consult with your physician. If you grab anything we mention using our referral links, we may get a small commission. However, there’s no cost to you.
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