Chia: The Aztec Runners' Food
You've probably walked right past them during your many visits to your usual supermarket or a health food store, or perhaps you've seen them sprinkled on bread or sold in bulk at some stores. But what are chia and where do they come from? To use their technical name, the plant is believed to be “Hispanic saliva”from the mint family, originated in the Aztec cultures where it was considered an essential crop, just like corn, for example.
Chia seeds were also closely associated with energy boosting among Aztec warriors.
Today, chia plants are grown mainly in Mexico and other areas of Central and South America, mainly for the commercial exploitation of chia seeds, which represents a growing market in the United States due to the numerous health benefits offered by these seeds, not only for athletes but for every individual. Let's review: it contains vital minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium), essential fatty acids (Omega 3) and antioxidants. All this makes chia seeds become one of the world's most important sources of vital nutrients.
What are the health benefits of chia seeds?
Chia seeds offer several health benefits. Here are a few: 
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Boosts energy and metabolism
First of all, chia seeds are a very rich source of protein, as they contain essential nutrients that you should include in any diet or rapid weight-loss program. Chia seeds have a nearly perfect rating (91/100) of amino acid. What does this mean? It means you're getting an excellent source of protein (especially for vegetarians) and energy for exercise. In addition, chia seeds have incredible water absorption capabilities (up to 12 times their own weight). When chia seeds are ingested, they expand inside the stomach and this helps to reduce snacking, reduce the amount of water in the stomach, and reduce the amount of water in the stomach. cravings and belly. Arecent study (U.S.) has shown that this reduction could be as high as 50%. What's more, chia seeds are a rich source of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium)—which help us maintain strong bones.
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It is a rich source of Omega-3
Approximately 55% of the fat contained in chia seeds is attributed to Omega-3 fatty acids (also present in chia seeds). coconut oil in the form of MCT which are broken down into ketone bodies). They are vital for certain daily functions, such as preventing blood blockages and the cell development in the brain. They offer numerous health benefits, including: prevention of certain types of cancer (prostate), reduction in the risk ofcardiovascular diseases, maintaining a stable heart rate and prevention of heart disease. of cardiovascular risks associated with type 2 diabetes. Omega-3 consists of three types of fatty acids: ALA (found in chia seeds as well as certain leafy vegetables), EPA, and DHA—the latter two of which are found in fatty fish. Due to the alleged lack of published evidence indicating that fish fatty acids are more effective and that weight-for-weight you will get more Omega 3 from chia seeds than from salmon., chia turns out to be a very useful element in your diet.
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An excellent digestive aid
When we ingest chia seeds in our body they turn into a gelatinous substance that expands in the stomach. The result is that carbohydrates are sugar at a more gradual rate., The process is similar to the function of the blood glucose levels, thus allowing for the stabilization of blood glucose (the process resembles the function of the MCT in coconut oil). Therefore, it is not only useful for endurance and athletics, but the diabetes prevention, as demonstrated in a recent study. It's worth noting that about 90% of the carbohydrates found in chia seeds are fiber that isn't even digested. The good news for people with diabetes is that chia seeds do not depend on insulin. After all, chia seeds represent a considerable digestive aid. Try to introduce a spoonful every day in your diet.
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Chia seeds provide large amounts of antioxidants.
In fact, they contain more antioxidants than some berries, which is equivalent to 10,000 IU of vitamin E. They offer several health benefits, including: an improvement in the immune system, They can also be used for cancer prevention (prostate cancer), diabetes treatment or anti-inflammatory purposes. Additionally, they can be stored for a long time and their uses have even been known in the field of cosmetics (anti-aging).
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Chia seeds are loaded with nutrients.
We have seen that they are loaded with Omega 3, essential minerals and antioxidants. What's more, a 28g serving contains only 137 calories, are gluten-free, They have a longer life cycle than other products (they can be stored for years) and are organic. In short, chia seeds are an excellent opportunity to replenish lost nutrients - especially during pregnancy when the demands on the body are very arduous.
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How to use chia seeds?
The world is at your feet if you want to make the most of all the nutrients present. Be sure to consume seeds of real chia and not supplements. Among the popular uses, you can:
- sprinkle them on bread
- mix in shakes
- use them to replace eggs in cakes to reinforce them,
- sprinkle a few on cereal or on a cereal bar
- crush them into a sports drink (or simply add a handful of chia seeds to a bottle of water with lime juice - the drink will be bubbly and gelatinous).
- Last but not least, chia seeds should be eaten raw.
You can also add other healthy elements to your diet, which we have talked about in recent blogs, such as: the coconut oil, probiotics and garlic. If you decide to introduce chia seeds in your diet, write to us to comment on your experiences.
