Chia Seeds – It’s Not Just For Growing Pets

Wondering why Chia seeds are all the rage?

Chia is part of the mint family and is native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala.  Chia seeds are smooth, tiny and oval flecked with gray, white, black and brown colors.  Last year I bought it at a local supermarket and it has been sitting in my cabinet all year while I waited to figure out what to do with it.

Every time I see another article extolling the virtues of this humble seed, I remind myself that I better go try it.  You can try it in smoothies, baked in muffins, added to oatmeal or cold cereal.   They are pretty tasteless and you don’t really notice them, but your body will.

According to natural health expert Dr. Andrew Weil, Chia seeds may be even a better source of Omega 3s than flax and they don’t have to be ground to obtain the benefits.  They also last a lot longer than flax seeds which can quickly go rancid.  Chia seeds also provide fiber, calcium, phosphorus,magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc.

If that wasn’t reason enough, chia seeds may help you lose weight and give you energy.   When mixed with water, chia seeds turn gelatinous, they absorb liquid and make you feel full longer.  The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Ray Rice, the leading rusher for the Baltimore Ravens, uses chia to replenish his energy and help keep his digestive system humming.  In Mexico and Central America they enjoy a Chia Fresca, water with lime juice, sugar and chia.  Give it a try and tell us what you think!