Chia is more than a pet

Chia growing

My dear friend Angie can’t eat wheat, dairy, soy,
Nor can she eat foods containing, flax, tomatoes, macademia nuts, peanuts, drink beverages containing acai, and host of other things.
But Angie likes Chia.
I introduced her to Chia the other day.  She had missed it when Dr. Oz talked about the health benefits of chia seeds on “Oprah.” Now Angie says the song from the commercial for Chia Pets goes through her head all the time.

What makes the Chia Seed the super food that many claim it to be?
*Great source of Omega 3 and 6 oils
*You don’t need to grind Chia seeds to get benefits
*Hydrophilic: Chia seeds absorb the water we drink, holding it in our system longer
*Studies show they slow the rate at which our bodies convert carbohydrate calories into simple sugars - may have benefits for diabetics.
*Using a dose of Chia in water can help dieters feel fuller, so fewer calories are ingested
*High in fiber and healthy oils - Chia can be a great addition to a detoxification program.

100 grams of Chia or 3.5 oz. are:

*A source of magnesium equivalent to 53 oz of Broccoli•
*A source of iron equivalent to 10 oz of Spinach
• A source of foliate equivalent to 2 oz of Asparagus
• A source of fiber equivalent to 4 oz of bran
• A source of calcium equivalent to 23 oz of Milk
• A source of potassium equivalent to 6 oz of Bananas
• A source of omega 3 fatty acids equivalent to 28 oz of Atlantic Salmon
• A source of antioxidants equivalent to roughly 10 oz of blueberries

CHIA facts

• Is a complete, whole and natural food not a supplement.
• Has thousands of years of Safe historical human consumption (Chia seeds)
• Is 100% Cholesterol free and Trans Fat free
• Is Not Genetically Modified (GMO)
• Contains significant amounts of quercetin antioxidants that aid in reducing inflammation
• Is one of the highest overall antioxidant containing foods (ORAC 1680 pr 22g) more thanblueberries and prunes
• Is gluten free, and can be eaten by people suffering from celiac disease.
• Is certified Kosher
• Is a perfect digestive aid, creating better assimilation of food and excess stomach acids
• Is A Dieters Dream – Fat replacement- food extender and creates a full satiated feeling.
• Encourages healthy and gentle bowel elimination
• Enhances energy levels and extends endurance
• Prevents dehydration and aids in electrolyte balance
from: http://www.culinarycaregiver.com/page/1267702

To take as supplement…..
Mix 15g (1.5 Tbsp) Chia seed with 8oz water in a clean jar.  Close the lid, and let stand, shaking periodicaly for a few minutes until the chia seed becomes evenly suspended, then drink.
(from “Greens+” brand Chia supplement)

To take in food…….
There are a host of recipes for incorporating Chia seeds into your diet.  A search on google will yield ample results.  I go for the “Chia raw recipes” such as are found at: http://www.naturalnews.com/022468.html

Am I fat?

A long time ago I was grocery shopping - finding a big conflict between my budget consciousness and my health consciousness - deciding between the butter I held in one hand and the margarine I held in the other hand. A woman leaned towards me and said that margarine was about the worst thing I could put in my body - hydrogenation involved making oils, naturally liquid at room temperature, into something that would stay solid; that this process left traces of nickel - and who knows what else - which was used as a catalyst in the margarine.

She said that margarine actually worsens cholesterol (I confirmed the science on this subsequently) compared to butter which at least is a real substance in nature and if eaten in moderation, not bad. As I was interested, she further explained, hydrogenated oils make cell receptors rigid, and unable to function properly. Read more »