Have you heard about Chia?
I bought some last year around this time, you know, New Year’s resolutions and all that…
I used it for a while and promptly forgot about it!
The scientific name is Salvia Hispanica, and it is classified as an annual herb, part of the mint family. It is prevalent in Mexico and Guatemala and grown commercially for its seeds. The seeds can absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid when soaked, and become a gel like substance.
Doesn’t sound appetizing! But here’s the interesting part. They have no flavor of their own, they simply take on the flavor of whatever they’re in! You can add them to anything! Sprinkle them on pizza~looks like pepper!
Chia seeds are touted to lower blood pressure, help you stay hydrated, help you feel fuller longer, and the richest plant source of Omega-3, which helps prevent heart disease and inflammation from arthritis. They are also said to slow down the rate our bodies convert carbohydrates into simple sugars, which could be beneficial to diabetics.
If you sprinkle them on eggs or in a salad and eat it right away, they will add a crunchy texture like poppy seeds. I like to add them to things before baking so they get soft and you never even know they’re in there!
Do you ever make oatmeal? Toss some in there. For a great, do ahead, oatmeal in a jar recipe with chia click here
I am upping my efforts for healthier eating this year so I put a cute jar of Chia seeds by the S&P so I would remember to use it. Sprinkle some in your next batch of cookies or baked goods
You’ll never know there in there, but you can smile knowing that you have added something to make your dish a bit healthier…
There is no recommended dosage, and you can’t overdo, but generally 1 T per day is seems to be the agreed upon amount. You can also add Chia seeds to your smoothies or drinks.
If you are interested in reading more about Chia seeds or you are interested in ordering on line click here. They are widely available now in stores, but your best prices might be online, buying in larger quantities. Another good source is Amazon.com
Here’s to a healthy New Year!
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