...so after being introduced to Chia in Nicaragua, my paranoid hubby would NOT let me bring a couple baggie-fulls back to Canada....,geeze! He thought it looked too much like opium (not sure how he'd know what opium looks like?), but after I was stopped by customs on the way THERE the week before (for carrying 4 knives in my carry-on luggage - really, not such a big deal...it wasn't my fault!)...he refused to trust me with 2 baggies of Chia.
Instead of paying $2.50 a bag in Nica, it cost me $15.00 in Ontario for the same amount!
CHIA SEEDS ARE FULL OF IT!!
This tiny seed has been labeled the new ''SUPER FOOD'' by many.
Whole Chia seeds are gluten-free and can be sprinkled on cereal, salads, or yogurt. Seeds can be ground and mixed into smoothies or added to baked goods. They can be sprouted and used in salads or sandwiches. The seeds are easily digested and do not have to be ground to be used. And, high levels of antioxidants keep Chia seeds naturally fresh, unlike flax seed, which easily becomes rancid.
Chia seeds soaked in water (for about 30 minutes) form a gel. The seeds soak approximately 5 times their weight in water. The gel can be added to sweet or savory sauces, dips or used to make puddings. In Mexico, the seeds are mixed with water and a little bit of lime or lemon juice to make a drink called “Chia Fresca.” Be creative!
AS SEEN ON THE TODAY SHOW - MARCH 18, 2010
Change Your Life With Chia
Christina Pirello, MFN, CCN one of America’s preeminent authorities on natural and whole foods, tells how to ''Change Your Life With Chia.''
Q. How does Chia Seed compare to flax seed?
A. The biggest difference is that chia seed does not need to be ground. Chia doesn't go rancid quickly like flax seed because chia seed has high levels of antioxidants. Chia seed is also richer than flax seeds in these vital elements: fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus.
Q. Is there a difference between black and white chia seeds?
A. There are more antioxidants in black chia seed.
Q. Is Chia Seed gluten-free?
A. Chia Seed protein is gluten-free. The Argentina Celiac Association tested chia and found it gluten-free, according to the book ''CHIA.''
Q. Do chia seeds contain pesticides? Are they irradiated?
A. Chia Seeds do not require pesticides to be grown. Our chia seeds are pesticide-free, free of heavy metals and not irradited.
While you may associate Chia seeds with the novelty of the same name, Chia seeds are becoming the ''go to'' seed because a 2 tablespoon (1 oz) serving contains:
Serving Size: 1 ounce (28g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 138
Calories from Fat 73
Total Fat 9g
Saturated Fat 1g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 5mg
Total Carbohydrate 12g
Dietary Fiber 11g
Sugars
Protein 4g
Vitamin A 0% DV
Vitamin C 0% DV
Calcium 18% DV
Iron 28% DV
Also:
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- Chia helps regulate the absorption of simple sugars which prevents blood sugar spikes and can help control diabetes.
- Chia can replace up to half the fat (butter, oil, lard) in all baking recipes. I've tried Chia bread, Chia chocolate chip cookies and Chia brownies. It doesn't change the taste or texture.
thanks K - I'm going to bake something just to try it out (but i believe you!) xox
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