Chia Seeds | Delicious Aztec Superfood
Contributing Monkie Angela Stokes
Topics of Interest Chia Seeds
Published on April 25, 2008
Section Fitness/Diet, GreenChef Foodie Talk, Recipes / GreenChef Ingredients & Tools
Comments 4
Chia seed is an ancient superfood that’s currently experiencing a glorious renaissance. It’s a member of the sage family (Salvia Hispanica), and its little black and white seeds were once a staple of the Incan, Mayan and Aztec cultures, along with the Native Americans of the southwest.
“Chia” is actually the Mayan word for strength. The seeds were used by these ancient cultures as mega-energy food, especially for their running messengers, who would carry a small pouch of it with them. Chia has been called “Indian Running Food” and gives an incredibly sustaining surge of energy. I’ve definitely noticed for myself the “running energy” that chia seems to impart. If I eat chia and then run later that day, my endurance and ability to run further is greatly enhanced…pretty impressive stuff!
The chia available at Raw Reform is imported from Mexico and certified organic. In Mexico, they say that one tablespoon of chia seeds can sustain a person for 24 hours. Chia also happens to TASTE great, looks cute (like tiny dinosaur eggs) and is ready to eat really quickly. It also has an off-the-scale nutritional profile.
Why would you want to eat chia?
Chia seeds are said to have two times the protein of any other seed or grain; five times the calcium of milk — plus boron, which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones; twice the potassium of bananas; three times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries; three times more iron than spinach and copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids.
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