Have you caught onto the latest superfood yet? If not, go buy yourself some Chia Seed immediately (after you read this blog of course) because honestly the list of qualities and benefits by including them in your daily diet is really quite remarkable, these little seeds really pack a powerful health punch!

In a nutshell.. The Chia Seed is the richest known source of plant-based Omega 3 and 6 and is also high in protein, fibre, antioxidants, and a range of vitamins and minerals – essential dietary elements for our health.

The Chia Company Chia Seeds in particular (you can buy these from the eStore at www.fitnessinthecity.com.au) are specially developed to protect the chia seed’s Omega 3 oil, vitamins and minerals, and care has been taken when grinding the seed to ensure that it retains a mild and pleasant flavour.

You can sprinkle raw onto pretty much most foods; salads, stir-fry’s, smoothies, soups – or if you eat grains then go ahead and add to your breakfast cereals, bread and muffin recipes mix.

Website http://www.chialive.com.au as the name indicates also shares my Chia crush and has comprehensive research of proven benefits – check out their chart below:

EAT CHIA SEEDS FOR YOUR OVERALL HEALTH

Qualities

Benefit To You
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). Chia seeds are the highest plant source of Omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid which has been known to prevent or diminish certain illnesses. Studies show that ALA levels found in chia are higher than those in flax seed, and are more stable because of its high antioxidant content. Simply put, a healthy life would be impossible without EFAs. And your body can’t manufacture Omega-3, you have to eat it! So Eat Chia! Click here to find out more about ALA, Omega-3 essential fatty acids.
 Natural antioxidants. Other EFAs from other sources  fish and flax seeds are easily damaged by heat, light, and oxygen.  Oxidation in food, as we know, can promote diseases like cancer, cardio-vascular diseases, cataracts, a decline in immune system and brain dysfunction.  Chia’s natural antioxidants keep the omega-3 fatty acid stable and prevent the dry seeds from going rancid. Not only that, but when you eat chia, its antioxidants also protect YOU. Click here to read more on chia’s antioxidants.
 Strong antioxidants effect on YOU  Not only do its natural antioxidants preserve the chia seed, they will also preserve you . By eating chia, we increase antioxidant activity in our bodies which slows down the aging process.
 Mucilaginous (gel-forming)  When chia seeds are mixed with water or stomach juices a gel is formed that slows the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Thus, eating chia helps balance our blood sugar levels, and may reduce the need for  an insulin surge or spike to lower the blood sugar level after eating chia. This could support diabetic conditions.
 Hydrophilic (having the ability to absorb more than 12 times its weight in water).  Being hydrophilic means that chia  prolongs hydration and retains electrolytes in body fluids which in turn supports the life of all body cells.
 Hydrophilic colloidal properties  This aids people who have digestive disorders.  There are other hydrophilic colloids that offer the same benefit such as edible seaweeds, agar, cactus juice, and beet juice, however none are as inexpensive, portable, accessible, and neutral tasting as chia.
Bulky, tasteless, scentless – a dieter’s dream food When soaked in water, it can expand to about 9-12 times its mass. This can be added to any diet as a highly nutritious food extender  without changing the original taste or smell.  You can eat more, but with less fat, sugar, salt and preservatives. It’s calories are also more nutritious.
 Gluten-Free  Chia is an ideal food for people with gluten intolerance, carbohydrate intolerance, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease.
 Source of fibre  Chia is both soluble and insoluble fibre which sweeps debris off the intestinal walls to be eliminated efficiently and regularly.  Daily intake of Chia improves bowel movement in less than a week and supports detoxification.
 High source of protein with all the essential amino acids  Chia provides the highest source of protein amongst other seeds and grains: between 19 to 23 percent proteinby weight.  To compare:  amaranth (14.8%), wheat (14%), corn (14%), rice (8.5%), oats (15.3%), and barley (9.2%).
 Rich plant source of iron (3 times more than spinach  Iron had been found to be anti-cancerous, boosts physical performance, improves immunity, improves concentration, and encourages restful sleep.
 Rich source of calcium, and has higher bioavailability than milk, which means that you could be absorbing more calcium from a tablespoon of chia than you do from a glass of milk.  Calcium keeps bones and teeth strong; keeps organs and bodily functions operating at their best; makes it easy for the body to maintain a healthy weight; protects your heart; eases PMS and stabilizes hormones; protects against colon cancer
 Contains boron  Boron  acts as catalyst for the absorption and utilization of the  calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus in bones and for muscle growth. Boron also can increase the levels of natural estrogen.
 Increases natural estrogen levels  In women in menopause, this means  stronger bones, more youthful appearance, smoother skin, better sexual health, sharper mind, overall better health and lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
 Rich source of magnesium (15 times more than broccoli)  As with boron, magnesium aids in the absorption of calcium; vital for maintaining a healthy heart, can even aid in the recovery from a heart attack or stroke; helps maintain proper muscle function; reduces muscle spasms; and known as the ‘anti-stress’ mineral
Other minerals:phosphorus, potassium, zinc, sodium, copper, manganese  When you regularly eat chia, you will boost your intake of minerals which aid in the optimum functioning of our human body.