It?s been eaten for centuries in Latin America?
And while for years it became somewhat of a ?forgotten food,? it?s making a strong comeback. In fact, some believe it may very well be one of the most nutritious superfoods on earth (and with good reason!).
I?m talking about chia.
You may have heard of chia before? just not as a superfood.
During the 80s and 90s chia seeds became popular when a company marketed them as Chia Pets ? terracotta animal figurines that have grooves where you can apply the wet chia seeds.
In a matter of weeks, the seeds sprout? making the figurine look like it has fur or hair.
Chia Pets can still be found today. But that?s not why chia seeds are making headlines. It turns out modern science is discovering just how nutritious and healthy they are.
What makes them a superfood? The fact that each chia seed packs the maximum amount of nutrients with a minimum amount of calories.
Quick example?
Most people don?t get anywhere near the recommended amount of fibre in their diet.
The Australian Dietetic Association recommends anywhere from 20 ? 35 grams of fibre per day. Chia contains almost 11 grams of fibre in 2 tablespoons! (By the way, 2 tablespoons of chia has just 60 calories).
And we?re just getting started?
When compared gram for gram, chia contains MORE heart-healthy omega-3 fats than salmon?
? Up to 15 times more magnesium (a mineral critical for over 300 processes in your body) than broccoli?
? 3 times more calcium than skim milk?
? and as much as 30 percent more antioxidant power than blueberries!
Pretty amazing right?
It?s no surprise that in his national bestselling book Born to Run, author Christopher McDougall claims that : ?In terms of nutritional content, a tablespoon of chia is like a smoothie made from salmon, spinach and human growth hormone.?
And in a tough, systematic review conducted by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, the researchers stated:
?The available human and non-human studies show possible effectiveness for allergies, angina, athletic performance enhancement, cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), heart attack, hormonal/endocrine disorders, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, stroke, and vasodilatation. Some evidence also suggests possible anticoagulant, antioxidant, and antiviral effects of Salvia hispanica [Chia seed].? [1]
What other food on earth could have so many potential health benefits!?
The best part in all this is that despite being an amazing nutritional powerhouse, chia has a very mild flavour? which means it can go well with almost anything.
You can usually find chia seed at your local health food store. Some offer the seeds ground up into a fine powder? and others will sell you the seed.
Either way you get them, it?s easy to incorporate into your diet (as a powder you can easily add it to baked goods and delicious smoothies? and as seeds you can add them to salads and sauces).
So why not give chia a little ?love? this week and try incorporating it into your diet? Your body will thank you!
And remember ? while adding ?super? foods like chia to your diet is a great way to keep your body properly fuelled and healthy, don?t forget you still need to exercise and move a little everyday.
That?s why I highly suggest you take advantage of your FREE Fitness Consultation (an $87 value).
During this consult, you?ll receive detailed information on how to get fit and trim that?s tailored to YOUR body.
There?s no obligation and it?s totally and completely free. To sign up, click here
References:
1. Ulbricht C, et. al. ?Chia (Salvia hispanica): a systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration.?Rev Recent Clin Trials. 2009 Sep;4(3):168-74.
Source: http://newfarmpersonaltraining.com.au/could-this-be-natures-most-powerful-superfood-ever/
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