Chia Seeds

Chia seeds 

History and Curiosities

Chia Seeds are obtained from Salvia Hispanica, a plant cultivated mainly in Guatemala and Mexico and widespread in Europe in more recent times. According to mythology, the Aztecs used Chia seeds to draw the strength to face and win their battles. In fact, these seeds have always been known as the "seeds of strength" and, being considered a precious element, they were also used by the Maya in religious celebrations as a propitiatory offering to the gods. 

Chia seeds are one of the most valued sources of essential amino acids , antioxidants and nutrients in the world.

Properties and Benefits

Despite the small size of this seed, it contains macronutrients and micronutrients in large quantities. Let's find out together what their main peculiarities are: 

- Balancing energy source for the body: they level the sugars present in the blood, reduce bad cholesterol, regulate blood pressure. Precisely the fact that they are energizing and rich in vitamins and mineral salts, Chia seeds are indicated in the diet of athletes, to face and to recover an intense workout. 

- Laxatives. They are an excellent remedy for bowel cleansing and colon health. 

- They reduce the sense of hunger because they give satiety by swelling in the stomach and therefore are useful in reducing body fat. Chia seeds promote weight loss because they are rich in fiber and protein.

- Facilitate digestion by protecting the walls of the stomach. Given the amount of fiber, they are useful in case of constipation and to facilitate intestinal regularity. 

- Natural anti-inflammatory. They are useful to limit the symptoms of many bacterial diseases and infections. They improve brain activity, keeping the brain young and protecting memory capacity. 

From a nutritional point of view, Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and healthy fatty acids.

Antioxidants help fight aging and prevent cell damage. Chia seeds have properties in some respects similar to those of flax seeds. An exceptional feature of these seeds is the fact that they are preserved even for years without deteriorating either in taste, smell, or nutritional value. All thanks to a high content of antioxidants, much higher than that of the other seeds, and 4 times higher than that of blueberries. 

There is also no shortage of proteins, which make up about 20%, and fiber.

Recipes

There are endless recipes that can be tried with chia seeds of Italia Spezie. Whole seeds are great to add to baked goods, in diet shakes, in breakfast mixes, in diet bars and meal replacements, mixed in yogurt as a snack etc.

Try adding raw Chia seeds in fruit salads or mixed salads together with salt and extra virgin olive oil; in doughs such as bread and focaccia or as a thickener in soups, sauces and desserts. 

Left to soak in water they release a jelly. 

The famous Chia seed jelly is a balm for our intestines. These tiny seeds in fact go to absorb a quantity of water 9 times higher than their weight, this allows us to clean our intestines and control excessive hunger. The gel created from chia seeds collects the toxins and waste of our intestines, incorporating them into the feces and at the same time determining multiple benefits for those with constipation problems. 

Chia seeds can also be combined with lemon juice or taken with a tablespoon a day with a glass of water to take advantage of its properties as a supplement. The chia and lemon drink, in addition to being refreshing, is an excellent purifier for our body: it facilitates weight loss and provides numerous antioxidants. 

They do not contain gluten and are excellent for both celiacs and vegan and vegetarian diets.

Chia pudding: Let's prepare it together

INGREDIENTS

- 200 ml almond milk or rice milk

- 30 gr of chia seeds

- 1 teaspoon agave or maple syrup

- 1 pinch of cinnamon or vanilla powder 

- 1 handful of raspberries, blueberries, strawberries or fresh fruit to be cut into cubes

- 1 teaspoon sunflower or pumpkin seeds

- 1 teaspoon lemon juice  

PREPARATION

Take a glass and pour alternately the milk and Chia seeds which, being very light, will tend to come to the surface. Mix well with a small kitchen whisk or even a simple spoon, so as to distribute the milk. 

If you want to add to the whole also a teaspoon of syrup or a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla powder. 

Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. Finally, add diced fruit, dried fruit or sunflower or pumpkin seeds, in the amount you prefer. 

Contraindications

Chia seeds do not have particular contraindications but it is always recommended not to exceed their intake, as they could then be harmful.

In fact, Chia seeds could cause allergies, intolerances and hypersensitivity reactions.

How to store Chia seeds

Another extraordinary feature of these small Chia seeds is the fact that they are preserved even for years without deteriorating either in taste, smell or nutritional value. 

Store them in closed containers in your pantry and return to open them whenever you want to eat something good and at the same time nutritious.