Chia Seeds – Superfood of the Aztecs
The astounding health benefits of Chia Seeds are becoming well known. Chia grows from the Mojave Desert to Argentina. It was a major food crop and energy source of the Aztecs. It is said that just one ounce of Chia Seeds could power an Aztec warrior for an entire day!
Chia is very rich in essential fatty acids, even more so that flax, so they are great for developing brains of infants and children. It has another distinct advantage over flax. It is so rich in antioxidants that it can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid. Unlike flax it does not have to be ground to make its nutrients available to the body. Chia Seeds also provide lots of fiber and are mineral rich. In addition, Chia Seeds can help slow the body’s absorption of carbohydrates and their subsequent conversion into sugar.
Chia has a mild nut=like flavor. You can mix them in water with lemon or lime juice and add agave syrup or sugar to make a drink known in Latin America as Chia Fresca. You can sprinkle it on cereal, yogurt, salads, eat it as a snack or grind and mix it with flour to supercharge your muffins and breads.
Feeding Chia to chickens enriches their eggs and meat with Omega-3s. Fed to cows it enriches their milk. Research has shown that 1 ½ oz. of Chia per day can lower blood pressure and reduces systemic inflammation.
Great Tasting, Super Nutritious, Guilt Free Chia Custard Dessert
5 Tablespoons of Chia Seeds added to 16 oz. of luke warm almond, oat, or rice milk.
1 ½ Tablespoons Agave or Maple Syrup.
¼ Teaspoon Vanilla or Almond Extract
¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon (Optional)
½ Pinch Sea Salt
Mix all ingredients into Chia / Milk and stir well.
Let sit for 1 hour at Room Temperature.
Refrigerate for 8 hours.
Makes 3-4 Servings.
