Tiny Chia Seeds Provide Huge Health Benefits

Packed inside a tiny chia seed is protein, omega-3 oil, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and calcium. Tiny chia seeds don't stop with what's packed inside of them, once eaten, chia seeds provide energy, lessen the risk of cardiovascular disease, stabilize blood sugar, provide the daily requirements of fiber, vitamins and aid in weight loss. Huge health benefits from a tiny seed, but the chia seed isn't done yet.

Chia seeds are extremely versatile. Chia seeds can be eaten as is, ground and put into baked goods, made into a gel and added to any recipe or dissolved in water and used as a fiber drink.

The tiny chia seed still is not done showing off it's health benefits and versatility. Chia seeds can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 years since they never go rancid. Chia seeds are easy to carry with you and are readily available online or in health food stores. Now for the big question about tiny chia seeds that provide huge health benefits, how do chia seeds taste? Chia seeds have very little taste, which makes them acceptable to even the most discriminating palate.

A chia seed consists of 20% protein, 34% oil and 25% fiber. The high protein content in chia seeds is enough to provide the full daily requirement of protein. The chia seed is said to be the richest source of Omega-3 fatty acids, and water soluble dietary fiber, supplements that we commonly add to our diets for their health benefits.

Chia seeds have natural gel forming properties that slow digestion and help keep blood sugar levels stable, which aids in the prevention and/or control of diabetes. The feeling of fullness after eating chia seeds aids in weight control and weight loss. Chia seeds are packed with vitamin B, vitamin C and vitamin E and calcium. Huge health benefits from tiny chia seeds.

The chia plant is in the mint family, originating the central valley of Mexico and cultivated by the Aztecs. Chia is now commercially grown for it's seeds. We are familiar with Chia Pets, the clay pot designs that sprout 'hair' which is actually the chia sprouts.

Chia seeds are sticky, and sprout easily when spread on earthen clay pots. Chia seeds originated in Mexico, and Mexico is known for it's clay pottery usage and designs, the chia seeds and clay pottery were a perfect union. Incidentally, the chia sprouts grown on Chia Pets are edible, tasting like watercress, providing the same health benefits as the chia seeds.

Sources:

http://chiaforhealth.com/chin.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chia_seed