Aztec warriors ate chia seeds to give them high energy and endurance.  They said just 1 spoonful of chia could sustain them for 24 hours.  Chia means “strength” in the Mayan language, and they were known as “runners food” because runners and warriors would use them as fuel while running long distances or during battle.

How To Use:

Add 15g to juice, breakfast drink or water. Let it soak for a few minutes before drinking.

Add into Salads and Soup or Bake with Bread and Cakes.

Recipes

Poppy Seed Loaf

Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf for a Birthday

Blackberry Oat Bars

http://recreatinghappiness.com/breakfast-recipes/fresh-blackberry-oat-bars/

Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding

http://www.organicauthority.com/pumpkin-chia-seed-pudding-recipe-start-your-day-the-right-and-seasonal-way/

Vegan Smoothie with Maca and Raw Chocolate

http://www.organicauthority.com/warming-winter-vegan-smoothie-recipe-maca-raw-chocolate/

Vegan Sweet Potato Granola Recipe

Vegan Sweet Potato Granola Recipe: Healthy ‘Refined Sugar-Free’ Breakfast to Beat the Slump

Health Benefits

 Skin & Aging

Researchers from Mexico uncovered that chia seeds had a total natural phenolic (antioxidants) concentration nearly two times higher than previously reported. Antioxidants speed up the skin’s repair systems, and prevent further damage. Taking chia seeds can prevent premature skin aging due to inflammation free radical damage.

 Improve Digestive Health

Chia seeds is super-high in fibre – essential for your body’s ability to balance insulin levels (natural blood sugar balancer due to it’s high fiber content and healthy fats)

Being high in dietary fiber, chia seeds help promote bowel regularity and healthy stool. When consumed, chia seeds create a gelatin-like substance in the stomach.  This gel-forming action is due to the soluble fiber in chia seeds and it can work as a prebiotic supporting the growth of probiotics in the gut.

 Aid Weight Loss

Chia seeds curbs hunger and suppresses appetite, which can also lead to weight loss. 

 Improve Heart Health

Chia seeds are high in healthy fats boasting more Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s work to protect the heart by lowering blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and inflammation. 

 Cure Diabetes

As chia seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid and fiber, researchers from the University of Litoral in Argentina set out to determine how chia seeds can help prevent metabolic disorders like dyslipidemia (excessive fat in the blood) and insulin resistance – which are two factors in the development of diabetes. 

 Boost Your Energy & Metabolism

By adding a serving of chia seeds a day, can help boost your metabolism and burn belly fat! Studies show that the addition of chia seeds to your diet also reduces visceral adipose tissue, a “belly fat” tissue that effects the metabolism of the body and is a component of obesity!

 Stronger Bones

Chia seeds contains boron which is another essential nutrient for bone health. Just one ounce of chia seeds has 18% of the recommended daily amount of calcium.

 Build Muscle 

Chia seeds rank among the top plant based sources of protein.  This super seed is great to consume for those trying to put on lean muscle, burn fat, and balance blood sugar levels.

 Fight Breast and Cervical Cancer

Chia seeds are rich in alpha lineic acid (or ALA) which is an Omega-3 fatty acid. Recently in 2013, the Journal of Molecular Biochemistry found that ALA limited the growth of cancer cells in both breast and cervical cancers.

 Dental Health

With chia seeds being packed with calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin A and zinc, it’s no wonder that chia seeds are a top food to help your teeth!

Calcium is the building block of your teeth and necessary for tooth health. Zinc prevents tarter by keeping plaque from mineralizing onto your teeth and has an antibacterial effect that keeps bad breath germs away. Vitamin A and phosphorus are also important for strong teeth and a healthy mouth.

Nutritional Information

 Serving Size: 15g (approx. 2 tablespoons)