Chia seeds are among nature’s most nutrient dense functional foods. Their high levels of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants have been valued for millennia, all the way to the times of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. Their warriors would subsist on nothing but a handful of chia seeds and some water as they trekked through the jungles.
Modern science has since proven what those ancient peoples knew all along. Chia seeds are chock-full of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. When compared to the fruits and vegetables we normally consider healthy foods, the chia seed beats them all. It has eight times more omega 3 than pink salmon, six times more calcium than milk, three times more iron than spinach, and thrice as many antioxidants as in a blueberry. They are also rich in B-vitamins and dietary fiber. In fact, it is chia’s high fiber content that accounts for one of its most amazing abilities.
The complex matrix of fibers in these whole seeds makes them very water absorbent, being able to absorb ten times their dry weight in water. When all this water is absorbed, chia seeds become a gel with special properties. Once ingested, this gel acts as a barrier between the intestine’s digestive enzymes and any carbohydrates that a person may just have eaten. This slows down the conversion of the carbohydrates into energy, effectively stabilizing the metabolism, fixing blood sugar levels at a moderate level, and eliminating the cravings for any unnecessary snacks or meals. The fiber also cleans out the digestive system, allowing better nutrient absorption and greater overall health. The gel’s ability to retain water also makes for extended hydration. This unique mechanism makes chia seeds the ideal functional food for dieters looking to control their eating habits, diabetics hoping for a natural method of regulating their blood sugar levels, and for athletes who want to enjoy greater endurance, stamina, and hydration.
Chia’s high concentrations of omega-3 essential fatty acids make it a perfect food for people hoping to prevent the onset of cardiovascular, circulatory, or neurological diseases. Regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks, as well as protecting brain cells from progressive diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
One of the great things about chia seeds is that they’re mild tasting and easy to add to any diet. They can be powdered into flour for making baked goods, turned into gel for mixing with jellies, or added directly onto meals and beverages. In a pinch, they can even be eaten on their own either dry or with a little water. Any meal can become a healthy meal with the addition of a handful of chia seeds. Their high nutritional value and culinary flexibility make them one of nature’s most amazing superfoods.
Our chia seeds are grown organically and naturally, without the use of any pesticides or herbicides. They are of the finest quality, with a guaranteed sprout rate of 99% and a shelf life of up to 5 years. They are also gluten free and contain only trace amounts of sodium, making them the perfect addition to any healthy diet.
We recommend eating 45 grams (approximately 3 tablespoons) of chia everyday. Sprinkle on breakfast cereal, yogurt, jelly sandwiches. Blend in smoothies, mix in salads, soups, or use in breads and pastries.
Package deals (1 pound = 1 bag)
- 5 pounds: $5.453 per pound
- 10 pounds: $5.166 per pound
- 15 pounds: $4.879 per pound
- 20 pounds: $4.592 per pound
- 25 pounds: $4.305 per pound
Reseller's Suggested Retail Price: $10.00 per pound
Read More Chia articles : General Overview | Food Preparation | Omega-3 | Chia Seeds and Celiac Disease | Bone Health, Calcium, and Antioxidants | Athletes, Energy, and Survival | Brain, Heart, Pregnant Women and Mental Acuity | Weight Loss and Diabetes | Advantage Over Flax
