Chia seeds originate from the ancient Aztecs, where they were so revered, they were used as currency. Chia have the highest known plant source of omega 3 fats which are known as essential fatty acids (EFAs), meaning we need them to be supplied by our food. EFAs are essential for our nervous system and brain, our cardiovascular system, skin and also our joints.
Unlike flax/linseeds and fish, which also contain these fats, chia is very stable due to its high antioxidant value. Ground flax seeds and flax oil must be kept strictly refrigerated and used very quickly (in 1-2 weeks) or it goes rancid. Chia has four times the antioxidant strength of blueberries and the black chia seeds will have more antioxidants than the white.
Chia has a low glycemic index (GI), is gluten free and is jam packed with nutrients including a complete amino acid profile. This means it contains all eight essential amino acids which is rare in plants. Humans can’t manufacture these amino acids so they must be provided in food. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein that form tissues like muscles and skin, and they help create enzymes. Chia has up to 23% protein and contains 18 amino acids including tryptophan which is important for relaxation and sleep, also tyrosine which is important for mood and thyroid health.
Chia is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, A, B & C vitamins. Chia has 37% fibre and includes insoluble fibre which is the ‘roughage’ that keeps us regular, and insoluble fibre that bulks and softens our stools and helps remove bad cholesterol (LDL—low density lipoproteins) from our bodies.
Chia forms a tasteless gel in liquid like flax seeds do, however chia will go completely soft. Chia can be ground into a powder in the blender prior to adding the rest of the ingredients or it can be added whole. The seeds are tiny and break down easily. Chia will thicken a smoothie so it’s recommended to drink it immediately otherwise your smoothie will be more like a pudding and will need to be eaten with a spoon. A tablespoon of chia seeds per person is the recommended amount to use daily.
