Friday, June 11, 2010

Chia Lose Weight While Improving Nutrition

Chia is the Miracle Seed




Salvia hispanica L, better known as Salva seeds or Chia seeds, were first used by the Aztecs as their staple noursishment. The Aztecs so revered their Chia seeds, they were worshipped. Along came the Spaniards who desired to make the Aztecs one of their conquests. In order to do so, they knew if they destroyed their main source of nutrition, they could conquer the Aztecs. The Spaniards first salvaged the seeds for themselves and took them home with them after destroying the sources for the Aztecs.

Chia seeds are extremely high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which provide the necessary nutrition for humans and other creatures. Chia seeds contain antioxidants and phyto-nutrients. They have more than six times the calcium of milk, more than six times the protein of kidney beans and more than fifteen times the magnesium found in brocolli. Chia seeds have six times the iron found in spinach, more protein than soy and gram for gram it has the same amount of calcium found in oranges and three times more anti-oxidants than blueberries.

Chia Seeds - what they are and
Chia seeds are a raw and pure food with over 20 years of scientific research behind it in the category of agriculture.


How may I expect to feel if I eat it?

Individuals who eat chia seeds report that they get an unparalleled boost of energy. Many are amazed how their mental clarity is improved. It is not so well know source of helping to reduce pains in the hip and the lower back. This is most likely due to the anti-inflammatory components of chia seeds.



How is it used?

Chia seeds have no distinct smell or taste; thus, it may be combined with most any food., as the biological properties are not compromised in the baking or cooking process. Many people add them to their daily smoothies or as thickeners for sauces. It is a great source of fiber; it helps to promote good digestion toward the balance of blood sugar levels. Since the seeds often become stuck in the teeth, the seeds may be placed in a coffee grinder. It is suggested that the seeds are soaked in water until they are a tapioca pudding like consistency prior to adding to foods.


How long do the seeds last?

The shelf life is approximately 5 years if the seeds are kept in their pure form. However, once the seeds have been ground, one may expect the product to last about 9 months on the shelf.


What are some of the benefits?

The Heart

Chia seeds are a heart healthy food. Modern times have found us heading to fast food restaurants and ingesting high fat foods with low nutritional value. Thus, it is more essential than ever to identify additional sources of Omega–3's. Chia seeds helps to offset negative dietary practices as it contains the perfect ratio of 3:1 (3 Omega–3's to 1 Omega–6), all of which makes Chia seeds or other similar Omega-3 foods may become necessary for maintaining a healthy heart. Chia seeds have a vasodilatory effect as it increases the size of the arteries, which is why they may lead to the lowering of blood pressure. However, with all of their benefits we want to caution individuals to continue with their blood pressure recommendations prescribed by their physicians.

Weight benefits

There are very few people these days who do not struggle with their weight. Chia seeds help with weight management, as they will help you to feel full for longer stretches. They are so nutrient-dense that you would need to ingest approximately 6 times the calories of chia seeds to equal the same nutritional benefits. Chia seeds have an exceptionally high level of Tryptophan, which is an amino acid that naturally suppress appetite and helps to reduce hunger pangs.


Gastro-intestinal health

There has been much research recently by UC Berkeley. Based on their findings, t is believed that because chia seeds are a hydrophilic colloid with unique soluble fiber characteristics they assist creating a lining or physical barrier that aids in digestion, heartburn and sour stomach conditions. Chia seeds, when combined with water or another liquid, may aid in slowing and the absorbtion of sugar. It is believed that Chia seeds may even help to reduce cholesterol in the body.


Anti-aging benefits

The body regenerates nearly all of its trillions cells approximately every three months? Healthy individuals have strong, smooth, more elastic cells. When cells are not properly regenerated or damaged cells are replicated, the aging process begins. Humans build up toxins in their bodies. Chia seeds helps by fighting the free radical damage. The seeds helps to flush out such toxins, which in turn promote healthy skin elasticity. and hair, skin and nails are rejuvenated. Joints are lubricated. This is important as pain leads to premature againg as well. Eating chia seeds helps to reduce muscles soreness and lowers lactic acid buildup in muscles


Menopause

Foods high in Omega–3 content, help to balance hormones; thus, likely to reduce the effects of hot flashes.


Bone Health

Chia seeds contains six times more calcium than milk per serving. The seeds are is a rich in essential minerals as phosphorous, magnesium and iron, which all support the absorption and utilization of calcium by the body.


Mental Health

I have researched and written very detailed information about the brain. Many people forget about the need for proper nutrition for the brain.The International Journal of Clinical Practice in accordance with research from Harvard has linked low levels of Omega–3's in the body with mood disorders.  Omega–3 foods are believed to help to keep the brain's pattern of thoughts, reflexes and reactions running at optimal paces.
Because chia seeds contains essential amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals including folate (folic acid), it would make sense that chia seeds may be beneficial in fetal development. However, it must be noted that chia seeds do not replace prenatal vitamins or other recommended supplements. Chia seeds are healthy for breast tissue and the prostrate for men. They are also good for seniors since they are so nutrient dense.


Although I personally believe in the benefits of chia seeds, I caution all that as with any exercise program or the administering of any nutritional supplements, please contact your physician and heed their advice prior to participating in any programs before you proceed.

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