Lately many of my clients at Positive Change Nutrition, http://www.rachellewood.ca , have asked me, “What is chia seed and should I add it to my diet?” The chia seed is indeed highly nutritious, and I believe a healthy addition to any diet. It s mild tasting and acts as a thickning agent to all food it is combined with.
Chia is the common name for salvia hispanica L. plant species. It was prized for its nutritional value from the Aztec civilization and mostly grown in Mexico. Known as an energy stimnulant, antioxidant and source of Omega 3 fatty acids, chia seed has been used for centuries to promote cardiovascular health, increases bowel health and improve stamnia. It contains both soluable and insoluable fibre. This makes it ideal to help control blood glucose levels as well as appetite.
Chia is also a good source of vegetarian protein. One rounded tablespoon contains 3 grams of protein. It contains 8 essential amino acids and may assist in weight loss. Because it “thickens” the food you combine it with, chia seed promotes a feeling of fullness which allows the consumner to overall eat less food.
Many of my clients choose to eat chia seeds with breakfast. Simply add 1 tablesoon to your morning cereal, yogurt, smoothie or applesauce. It will produce a thick texture to your food and fill you up in the process. If you don’t enjoy chia seed, you may substitute with flaxseed or hempseed.
Fill up on fiber and essential fatty acids by adding chia seed to your diet each day. This healthy habit will help to improve overall health and wellness in many ways. So cheers to your health, and sprinkle some chia seed into your breakfast rountine!