Athletes were some of the first people to use chia as an aid to their sporting efforts. Triathletes and ultra-marathoners in particular followed in the footsteps of extreme runner Christopher McDougall, who wrote the book Born to Run, in which he touts chia as being the fuel that kept him and the Tarahumara Indians running for more than 100 miles at a time. McDougall has sparked athletes everywhere to use chia for sports. Chia is a brilliant sports tool, and here's why:
Because it's hydrophilic (water absorbing), chia releases energy slowy, which helps promote endurance.
Chia is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it helps relieve any pain caused by sports injuries.
Chia is known to improve concentration, helping people focus on what they're doing, which is a great attribute in sports.
The complete protein in chia is great for building and repairing body tissues like muscles.
People who use chia notice that muscle recovery time is reduced. The muscle pain that you often get two days after intense exercise is greatly reduced with the use of chia.
The soluble fiber in chia slows digestion and gives athletes energy when they need it during a run, cycle, or swim.
Thanks to chia's ability to absorb water, it can help prolong hydration. Many athletes find it difficult to stay hydrated, and chia can help, allowing athletes to perform longer.