Chia Seeds

I've recently learned of a superfood that is gaining in popularity-Chia Seeds! One of the best things I can say about Chia Seeds is that they're a great source of Omega-3's.

---A quick note on Omega-3's-they're an essential fatty acid found in fish, avocado, and more. They regulate blood sugar level, suppress the appetite, and burn fat.

Chia seeds also have high amounts complete proteins, antioxidants, vitamin B(s), fiber and minerals. They're low in calories and easy to digest. Chia seeds are awesome and contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber adds bulk and keeps things moving along, speeding along the digestive process. Soluble fiber aids in food movement and keeps the colon hydrated. It moves through slowly making you feel more full, forming a gel during the digestive process that carries cholesterol out of your body. Also since it moves more slowly it assists in regulating blood sugar levels.

Here are a few of the consumer reported health benefits: increased energy, improved mood, better concentration and clearer thinking, decrease in food cravings, decrease in aches and pains, better regularity, improved hair, skin & nails and more!

To use chia seeds, try  putting it in your oatmeal, smoothies, & yogurt. Since it forms a gel around the seed when mixed with liquid, you can use it as a thickener in your soup. You can add it to bread and salads. You can add it to juice or water to make a fun jello-type drink. Toss it in stir fry, eggs, cake and more. You can use it for dressings, sauces, marinades, even on ice cream! For somethings you'll want to soak it in milk or eggs, but I'm not even convinced it's necessary unless you want to use it as a binder (like eggs for turkey burgers).

I hope you give chia seeds a try today!