Chia Seeds, The Super Food of Mayans & Aztecs

Chia is a mayan word meaning strength. You can see why when you find out how many and which vitamins this tiny grain contains.

It is well worth getting to know how to use this seed since it is a mega energy grain. Like the Incan chaski's who were used as messengers running from one town to another, the Mayans had runners as well, it is believed they had pouches containing this grain that would give them the needed energy to run the long distances.

If it was good enough for them, then why not for you?

Chia seeds do not really have any taste which is good since you can add them to any food you like and they won't alter the taste at all.

• 37% Dietary Fibre
• 20% Omega 3
• 20% Protein
• High in minerals ie.Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium & Iron
• High in Omega 6
• Antioxidant
• Folic acid

Antioxidants are believed to slow down aging and enhance brain development therefore reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

You will be surprised to find out that in just 1 tablespoon of Chia seeds you will be getting more calcium than if you were to drink a glass of milk and more Omega 3 than if you were to eat a piece of salmon.

If you are a fridge picker and are dying to loose weight, this is the seed for you. Adding it to your diet will stop you feeling hungry quicker since the seeds expand when absorbing liquid, making you feel fuller quicker.

Athletes should definitely add Chia to their diet introducing it to an energy drink. Because they absorb so much liquid they hydrate the body and with so many more vitamins in such a tiny seed they will boost your energy level.

Chia seeds can be used as a substitute for eggs in baking recipes.

1 egg = 1 tablespoon chia seeds soaked in 4 tablespoons of water until a gel forms (about 30 mins).

To thicken soups or gravy, add a tablespoon of chia seeds. Allow the seeds to swell and thicken before adding more; you don't want a wobbly jelly.

Just sprinkle some seeds over your favorite salad. They will add texture with a slight crunch and bags of goodness without changing the taste.

Chia when added to water absorbs the liquid forming a gel. Soluble fibre has the added benefit of lowering colesterol and is easier work for your digestive system. Soluble fibre is beneficial for your intestinal health and can reduce risk of colon cancer.

Unlike Flax seed you don't have to grind Chia to release the powerhouse contained within. You can just add it to what you like in its raw form and any liquid in your glass or body will react with it just as a tablet in a gel capsule will dissolve and the slow release goodness will be in your system.

If you want to start the day off properly and have the energy to run around Mexico, add a few teaspoons of Chia to your favorite yogurt or fruit drink. They won't alter the taste but will give you more energy to go about your day.

• Originally produced in Mexico and Guatemala
• From the mint plant family
• Used to relieve joint pain
• Can be left to sprout & used in salads
• Used to reduce blood pressure
• Gluten free