I mentioned Chia seeds briefly in my last blog on including more fiber in your diet. Chia seeds are my latest health food discovery, and along with having lots of fiber, they also have many other health benefits. I recently purchased an overpriced bag of Chialife Chia seeds from GNC, because I was eager to try them and did not want to have to wait for an order to be shipped to me. I paid $18 for 12 ounces at GNC, but I will order my next batch from chiaseedsdirect.com for $20 for 3 pounds, including shipping. After trying these seeds, they are now a staple in my daily diet. Here are some of the additional benefits of Chia seeds that make them practically a food for the Gods:
1. Along with containing 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, Chia seeds also contain 2.5 grams of protein in this small serving size. This adds up when you consume several tablespoons a day, as I do.
2. Chia seeds contain 2,375 mg of healthy Omega-3 fats in every tablespoon as well. This is a type of fat that many Americans are deficient in. Americans consume too much Omega-6 fat and very little Omega-3 fat. Just a tablespoon of Chia seeds daily can provide all of the benefits of these healthy fats, which includes lowered blood pressure, a healthier brain and a more stable mood. You can throw out the disgusting-tasting fish oil pills when you are consuming Chia seeds daily.
3. Chia seeds also contain no digestible carbohydrates, so they are great for those who are on a lower-carb diet.
4. A healthy serving of Chia seeds also provides your body with quality calcium and other minerals, along with antioxidants.
What I like to do with my Chia seeds is stir a tablespoon into my daily yogurt. They add a nice crunchiness to it. I also have a Chia shake that I consume nightly, that tastes much like a milkshake:
Chia Milkshake
1-cup milk
2-3 tablespoons of Chia seeds
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 packets of splenda
Mix all of the above ingredients in a glass or mug and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Stir and drink. Yum!
1. Along with containing 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, Chia seeds also contain 2.5 grams of protein in this small serving size. This adds up when you consume several tablespoons a day, as I do.
2. Chia seeds contain 2,375 mg of healthy Omega-3 fats in every tablespoon as well. This is a type of fat that many Americans are deficient in. Americans consume too much Omega-6 fat and very little Omega-3 fat. Just a tablespoon of Chia seeds daily can provide all of the benefits of these healthy fats, which includes lowered blood pressure, a healthier brain and a more stable mood. You can throw out the disgusting-tasting fish oil pills when you are consuming Chia seeds daily.
3. Chia seeds also contain no digestible carbohydrates, so they are great for those who are on a lower-carb diet.
4. A healthy serving of Chia seeds also provides your body with quality calcium and other minerals, along with antioxidants.
What I like to do with my Chia seeds is stir a tablespoon into my daily yogurt. They add a nice crunchiness to it. I also have a Chia shake that I consume nightly, that tastes much like a milkshake:
Chia Milkshake
1-cup milk
2-3 tablespoons of Chia seeds
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 packets of splenda
Mix all of the above ingredients in a glass or mug and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Stir and drink. Yum!