Cooking with Chia For Dummies
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Simple is a great word for chia. The seeds are tiny but powerful, and adding them to your foods is simple. Within these small, black and white seeds are great levels of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, and getting these valuable nutrients into your body has never been simpler.

The subtle taste of chia means you can add it to anything you already enjoy and it won’t affect the flavor whatsoever. This is only one of the many reasons why chia has become so popular as a health food.

Nowadays chia is available in health food stores and supermarkets everywhere. Chia is also becoming an ingredient in more branded foodstuff worldwide. So, you may be asking, “Why this sudden surge in popularity?” Here’s why:

  • Chia is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Chia is among the highest plant sources of omega-3s in the world. Our bodies need omega-3s for brain function, heart health, and many other biological functions, and most people don’t get enough. Chia can help provide more of this essential nutrient.

  • Chia is high in fiber. We need fiber in our diets to keep our digestive systems healthy. Chia provides 5 g of fiber in every 15 g serving. It goes a long way toward keeping digestion running smoothly.

  • Chia is gluten-free. More people are being diagnosed with gluten intolerance and try to avoid it in their diets. Chia is naturally gluten-free, so it’s great for people who have problems with gluten.

  • Chia is a complete protein. Chia has all the essential amino acids needed for growth and repair of body cells. This is unusual in a plant. Chia is a great way for vegetarians to get their complete proteins.

  • Chia is high in vitamins and minerals. Chia provides high levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, folic acid, and many other vitamins and minerals that are needed for various functions in the body.

  • Chia is 100 percent natural. Chia provides lots of nutrients, completely naturally. Instead of popping pills, you can eat chia to get nutrition that your body needs.

  • Chia helps to keep your heart healthy. The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber help reduce cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and protect against cardiovascular disease.

  • Chia helps prolong endurance. Chia has long been known for its endurance benefits. The seeds release energy slowly, helping to prolong endurance.

  • Chia helps balance blood sugar levels. Chia’s hydrophilic (water-absorbing) properties help reduce sugar peaks and troughs, helping people to balance their blood sugar levels naturally.

These are just some of the great benefits that chia can provide, the list goes on.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Barrie Rogers is cofounder of Chia bia and chiabia.com, an Irish chia company and website that provides a wealth of information about chia seeds and health and offers a number of chia products for sale, including seeds, bars, and beverages. Debbie Dooly is Marketing Manager of Chia bia.

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