Chia Seeds

OKay so as I was writing the foods I ate for my Prevention Challenge for May 8th, 2013 I realized that I hadn't mentioned I take a Tablespoon of Chia seeds every day.

I used to put them in my protein shakes that I make in my Nutri Bullet, see my video about my nutribullet but during the colder months it has been hard to make the protein shakes. BUt I realize the benefits of Chia seeds so I just got over the weird feeling of swallowing them and I just drink them every day now.

So below my list of what I ate yesterday I will post a video and more info on the benefits of Chia seeds.

I started with my normal water and banana.

I had a 1 cup amount bowl of cereal a different granola this one has flax seeds too but it also has dark chocolate and dried strawberries.  This is really good and I also put a teaspoon of cinnamon in this


After this I drank water with the chia sees in it

I was on the go yesterday I didn't have a "lunch" per se, I ate a handful of nuts and berries from Trader Jo's, I drank my green drink that I get from Whole Foods which in the video I did I explain that it is like drinking a salad.  Very nutritious, now I say it is delicious but I have been drinking it for a year and in the beginning I did not like it at all.  I made a video about it you can click here to watch that video if you want to 

I had a snack of about 15 Sweet Potato tortilla chips, and my stomach was bothering me a little so I had about 10 oz of Coke with ice.

Dinner was a chicken sausage, some pasta and mixed veggies.
I ate 2 dark chocolate truffles for dessert.

I figured out I am PMS'ing, which is why my stomach was a little upset. I checked my calendar and figured out what was going on so I drank a cup of my PMS tea that I drink during that time of the
month.

More water
and that was that for the day.

Benefits of Chia seeds

We all know how important it is to get enough essentials fatty acids (EFAs) in your diet. Some good food sources containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids include fish, shellfish, flax seeds, leafy green vegetables and walnuts. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to obtain enough of these fatty acids on a daily basis. 
"Drinking" Chia seeds is an easy fix to this at least for me. I explain how I take them in the video below.

Under the video I did I will write more about the benefits of Chia seeds 




A List of the Benefits of Chia Seeds

Supports Heart Health
Chia seeds can help reduce blood pressure. The seeds contain one of the highest known plant sources of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). EFAs cannot be synthesized by our bodies however, it is very important that we get enough to support our immune, cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems. EFA deficiency is quite common in North America.
 

Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Chia seeds slow down the rate at which complex carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body. The soluble fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose levels resulting in steady, sustained energy. SO it may help with diabetes, that is part of what diabetes is, the inability for the body to stabilize blood sugar. I'm just saying. lol

Energizing
Chia seeds are a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber. It is said that 1 tablespoon of Chia can sustain a person for 24 hours. Athletes have reported that Chia seeds help them perform at optimal levels for much longer periods of time. My son plays football and during the season I make sure he has them in a protein shake daily.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties 
A number of arthritis sufferers have reported reduced pain and inflammation after a few weeks of taking Chia seeds. The high concentration of omega-3 helps to lubricate joints and keep them supple. Additionally, Omega-3s are converted into prostaglandins which are known to have both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Weight Loss
The essential fatty acids contained in Chia seeds helps to boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass. The seeds are sometimes added to food to provide bulk and nutrients while adding very few calories. For these reasons, many people have found Chia quite useful in weight loss and weight maintenance.

Detoxification and Elimination
Similar to psyllium, the swelling action of Chia in the body helps to cleanse and soothe the colon, and absorb toxins while lubricating and strengthening peristaltic action.

High Quality Protein
Chia seeds contain about 20% protein, a higher percentage than found in many other grains such as wheat and rice. Chia seeds contain strontium which helps to assimilate protein and produce high energy.

Antioxidants
Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants containing even more antioxidants than fresh blueberries. The high amounts of antioxidants in Chia seeds also keeps the oils from going rancid - contributing to a long shelf life.
 

Brain Power
EFAs are known to make cell membranes more flexible and efficient making nutrients more readily available and nerve transmission more efficient. This helps to improve brain function (including memory and concentration).
 (This list is from an article by Charles Bradley) 

so give them a try, they are an easy thing to add to what you are already doing that can improve your health.  There is even a recipe to make a chocolate pudding with them. 

thanks for stopping by,

Stay tuned...
Tish Washington
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