Chia

Enjoy Chia

Anutra
Salvia hispanica
Salva seeds

Chia is high in leucine. Leucine is known to raise serum albumin a good thing for those on dialysis as well as anyone who might wish to raise their serum albumin.

The existence of Chia seeds goes back to 3500 BC. It was cherished by the peoples of Central America. Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. It grows abundantly in southern Mexico. In pre-Columbian times chia seeds were a main component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and were the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors. One tablespoon was said to sustain an individual for 24 hours. The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to stimulate saliva flow and to relieve joint pain and sore skin.

Chia is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants; it does not deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid; chia seeds provide leucine, an amino acid; fiber (25 grams give you 6.9 grams of fiber) as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc. When chia is added to water and allowed to sit for 30 minutes, chia forms a gel. Researchers suggest that this reaction may also take place in the stomach, slowing the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and convert them into sugar.

Chia, An Ultra Marathon Energy Drink

Chia seeds were originally used by the Mayans as an energy supplement. The running messengers carried a little pouch of chia seeds around their neck mixing them with water for the long haul. Today the Tarahumara running tribe uses chia mixed with lime juice in a drink called Chia Fresca Iskiate to carry them on their long distance runs of 100-200 miles. Chia has been called Indian running food. Chia Seeds provide a major source of Omega-3 in the form of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). It is well known that Omega-3 have a beneficial effect on Cardiovascular Disease. New studies are showing that chia seeds also have beneficial effects on reducing triglycerides. Animal studies suggest that omega-3 can reduce brain levels of the amyloid proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease and reduce irregular heartbeat. Omega-3 help stabilize the heart and reduce cases of sudden death. Christopher DeGiorgio, professor of neurology at University of California, Los Angeles, has been testing this theory in epilepsy. For us with PLD and PKD, the benefits of Chia is that there is no growth of liver cysts experienced when taking chia seeds. Whereas other omega-3 food sources with ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, flaxseed do cause an increase in pain and liver cyst growth.

Health Benefits of 3 Tablespoons of Chia

2 times the protein of any other seed or grain
5 times the calcium of milk
2 times the amount of potassium as bananas
3 times more iron than spinach
Omega-3 and omega-6, essential fatty acids or EFA's
30% of the chia seed's oil is Omega 3 oil. 40% of its oil is Omega 6 oil
No need to grind the Chia Seeds to digest
Great for athletes because they are highly hydrophilic
Chia seeds are high in fiber
Chia seeds provide antioxidant activity

Chia provides a nice balance for those who take supplemental Essential Fatty Acids. Chia seeds have a substantially dense percentage in alpha-linolenic fatty acid making this seed a healthy dietary source of fatty acids. It is a relatively easy to digest seed.

Chia is hydrophilic meaning it absorbs large amounts of water. Chia Seeds can absorb over 10 times their weight in water making them a great enhancer in hydrating our bodies. They absorb the water we drink holding it in our system longer. Studies show that eating chia seed slows down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrate calories into simple sugars. This can help PLD'rs maintain a steady sugar level. Chia seed gels when mixing with water. This gel slows down the absorption of some of the foods we eat. This blockage of calorie absorption makes the chia seed a great diet helper. Eating the seeds also aides dieters by making them feel fuller faster so they will be less hungry.

Essential Fatty Acids

Anutra also known as chia contains Omega-3's: four types of fat derived from food sources along with saturated fat, trans fat, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat. All poly- and mono-unsaturated fats including Omega-3's offer benefits to good health and are considered the fats of life. Chia seeds (Anutra)contain essential fatty acids and have benefits without increasing PLD liver size or causing liver aches. Flax and fish oil do increase PLD liver size and aches.

Chia Pet

Long ago it was used to make wool grow on a ceramic lamb. The sprouts were then eaten.

Chia and Weight Loss

Researchers have been looking into chia slowing down absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It may stem from the gel like consistency once chia is mixed with water. They feel something similar may happen in the stomach and in the intestines slowing down absorption. Unfortunately in a 2009 North Carolina study, weight loss was not confirmed. But intake of daily essential fatty acids was found in chia. Chia seeds may not be a ticket to easy weight loss, but they can be part of a healthy eating plan that helps you drop pounds. With 11 grams of fiber per ounce, chia seeds provide more than 40 percent of your daily fiber needs.

Use chia to make a dessert pudding that satisfies your desire for something sweet and creamy. It contains calcium, protein and a minimal calories. Mix about 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1 cup of liquid -- use almond milk or 100 percent juice. Let stand in a refrigerator for one hour or overnight to create a pudding with a texture similar to tapioca. Ground chia seeds can also be used as an egg substitute for those so inclined.

Chia Recipes

Banana Bread
Carob Mousse
Mango Pudding
Energy Drink