Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia...What the heck is a Chia Seed?

     Good Evening, Healthy Fam...  How's everyone doing?  I sure hope you are keeping up with your exercising and dieting...  You do realize that this exercise and diet thing is not about getting skinny?  It's about getting HEALTHY!!!  Now, if skinny comes along, I am going to take it and hope and pray I can keep it, but I just want to be healthy.  How about you?

     Well, let's talk about these ch-ch-ch-CHIA seeds.  About 8 months ago, my co-worker said he was watching Dr. Oz and there was much conversation about something called CHIA seeds.  He said he was going to start using them so he could lose some weight.  So, of course, ALL work stopped so we could go to the web and find out some more about this new craze.  WE even ordered some to try. 

      Chia seeds have been used by other cultures for a long time.  Aztecs and Mayans used them by grinding them into flour, pressing them for oil, and mixing them with drinking water.  Chia is the common name of a flowering plant in the mint family, Salvia hispanica.  The word Chia is derived from the Nahuatl word "chian", which means oily.  The Chia seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, an essential fatty acid that is not naturally produced by our bodies but one  we ALL need for our cells to function properly.  Chia seeds also contain omega-6 fatty acids, fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, iron, and a few other electrolytes.  This little seed contains a lot of the nutrients our bodies need.   Not only is the the Chia seed high in essential fatty acids.  The Chia seed is an antioxidant.  ChiasSeeds can absorb over 10 times their weight in water making them a great for hydrating our bodies. They absorb the water we drink holding it in our system longer and because they expand, may help curb your appetite.  I have put them in my protein shake in the morning and found my appetite is somewhat curbed.  (Hey, I say somewhat, because I am always ready to eat.)  There have been studies done that also seem to show proof that these little seeds may help lower triglycerides, cholesterol, and have a lowering effect on blood sugar.   Guess that's why its called a superfood.

     So, how do you eat them?   If you check the web you will find numerous ways to use the chia seed.  I can't say I would try them all, but everyone has an opinion.  They have no taste.  I add mine to my protein shakes, smoothies, and yogurt.   They vary in price depending on where you buy them from and the size container you purchase, but you can find them in supermarkets, health food stores, online, and most stores that sell food.  The Chia seed definitely has some healthy benefits.   Pick yourself up a bag/container.  Smooches...     
(Special thanks to Droz.com, healthmad.com, chiaseedrecipes.com, onegreenplanet.org)