The tendency to import customs and foods from other diets means that new products are gradually being incorporated into our diet, such as chia, small seeds that are increasingly part of our dishes.. Its innumerable benefits for our health - an excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, calcium, proteins and omega 3 fatty acids - make it worthy of the first positions of the superfoods. In this post we will reveal the great unknowns ofthis product. What is it? What properties does it have? How do you prepare? Is there a recommended dose? Do they have contraindications?
This treasure of nature belongs to the mint family, scientifically called SalHispanic way. It is not a legume, it is not a cereal, it is a SEED . It is native to Mexico and Guatemala - it is said that the Native North American Indian of the Southwest ate chia combined with corn to endure journeysprolonged and was the main food for the warriors -. In pre-Columbian times it was for the Mayans one of the basic crops for food, along with corn, beans and amaranth. But unfortunately it ended up falling into the olvidone for centuries. Recently, luckily for everyone, it has been rediscovered and due to its innumerable properties it has become the fashionable superfood.
These little seeds have very high nutritional valuesand beneficial properties for our body. Chia is attributed 2 times the protein of any other seed , 5 times the calcium of whole milk, 2 times the amount of potassium of the plcranberries, 3 times more antioxidants than blueberries, 3 times more iron than spinach, and very rich in omega 3 (alpha-linolenic). Due to all these impressive properties they are the perfect aliado for our well-being and balance of many metabolic processes.
Chia is the natural plant source with the highest concentration, known to date, of omega-3 (fatty acids with multiple efbeneficial effects for our body), so important that it should not be missing in our diet. The regular intake of this type of fat lowers the level of triglycerides, increases the blood concentration of good cholesterol anddiminishes the bad; avoiding the formation of clots and plaques in the arteries, preventing cardiovascular diseases (first cause of death in the first world). But it is important to consult with the doctor those people who are taking medication.anticoagulant drugs, since due to the omega-3 content of the seeds it acts as a natural anticoagulant and can enhance the effect of the medication.
Chia is very rich in numerous nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vegetable fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
In terms of minerals, chia stands out again. Rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus and with significant zinc and manganese values. Thanks to its mineral content, chia seeds canhelp maintain blood pressure balance in people with hypertension. Yes indeed! Be careful those of you who have low blood pressure or who take medications to lower it, you should take them with some caution, since they canThey eden cause a decrease in pressure when consumed in excess.
Chia seeds contain a very good amount of compounds with powerful antioxidant activity (mainly flavonoids). Helping us prevent premature aging, protect ourselves from tumors and strengthen our system.immunological in general. Antioxidants , in addition to being ideal for our health, are useful for its preservation. This explains how the Mayans, without great conservation techniques, could store chia flour duFor long periods of time without going rancid, which is common in oilseeds, such as flax seeds.
Because they absorb 10 times their weight in water, they form a voluminous gel that produces a feeling of satiety, and thereforethus our cravings are reduced and we feel satiated faster. When chia seeds are combined with liquid (such as water, juice, yogurt) they form a gel due to the soluble fiber they contain and create an effect on ourdigestive system that makes us feel full for longer and slows the rise in blood sugar.
With a delicate and pleasant flavor, chia seeds go well with many foods.
We have already talked a lot about the properties of chia , but now we need to know how to use it to make the most of all its benefits. With a mild and pleasant flavor, these seeds are very versatile in cooking.ay they can be used in all kinds of recipes (breads, sweets, sauces, soups, purees, desserts ...) but everything will depend on what we want to obtain from them nutritionally. If what interests us is that they keep us satiated and control our appetite, or keepTo see blood sugar levels in check, add two to four tablespoons to drinks such as water, natural juices, smoothies, vegetable milks, or other liquid foods and let them gel for at least a quarter of an hour. If on the contrary whatwe are interested in making the most of its nutrients (omega 3, antioxidants and minerals) the best way to obtain its benefits is by grinding them and sprinkling the crushed seeds directly into your salads, smoothies, cereals, soups, etc.
<br /> Once they enter your diet you will no longer be able to live without them. Combine them with healthy foods in a thousand ways and ways. The limit is in your imagination!