ch-ch-ch chia!

I can’t help when I hear the word “chia,” I instantly think, “ ch-ch-ch chia!”

Yes, that famous commercial, where you spread seeds onto a clay mold; those seeds are the health food craze that I finally succumbed to. I bought a bag at Trader Joe’s ($4.99) to see what they were all about. 

Chia originates from Latin America, and even the Native Americans knew of their “super food” qualities. The Mayans named this plant after their word meaning “strengthening.” Tribes would consume the seeds during their battles and hunting expeditions. Just a spoon full of seeds would boost their energy needs, and today, chia is becoming a favor food amongst athletes.

Like flax seeds, chia seeds are packed with fiber, which keeps your body from quickly absorbing glucose; this prevents sugar “highs” and “lows.” One of the main health benefits from chia seeds is their amount of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which is essential in building cell membranes. Also, studies have shown that omega fatty acids prevent inflammation, lower blood pressure, and protect against heart disease. There is some conflicting data on whether plant based fatty acids are inferior to fatty acids found in fish oil, but in general, most people do not ingest enough of either, so bring on the chia seeds!

Chia seeds are another good source for antioxidents, which protect the cells from free radicals that can cause cellular damage or cell death (aging!! ahh!).  Also, chia seeds contain all the essential amino acids to make proteins, so it is considered a  “complete protein." As for important minerals, chia seeds contain phosphorous and calcium, which are important in bone and teeth formation. 

So for my first chia seed experience, I added them to my post workout green drink.

Ingredients
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp tumeric (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant)
1 cup collard greens (lower cholesterol, Vitamin K (blood clotting), anti-inflammatory)
1 cup almond milk (protein, Magnesium (food breakdown), vitamin E (antioxidant))
1 meyer lemon (iron (blood), potassium (heart and kidney), vitamin C (antioxidant))
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (aids in digestion)

Directions
Combine all ingredients and blend. Enjoy all the nutrients!!

Not bad, really no impact on my drink. When I first learned about chia, I had seen a chia drink like this:

It kinda looks like boogies with a lime wedge! Really, it is better to soak the seeds prior because the seeds take up so much water, and if ingested whole can sometimes bring on constipation. 

For my second chia seed endeavor, I made a breakfast cereal. 

Ingredients

1/2 cup of instant farro, cooked

1/4 cup of chocolate almond milk

1 tbsp chia seeds

1/4 cup banana

1/4 cup walnuts

Directions

Mix all ingredients and let sit over night. 

The next morning, my chia seeds had become gelatinous, and really, it wasn't as bad as I feared!

Maybe, I'll have the appetite and make a chia drink!