Why You Should Be Eating Chia Seeds

Why You Should Be Eating Chia Seeds
Chia seeds pudding (Shutterstock*)
8/15/2014
Updated:
8/15/2014

Chia seeds are one of my new favorite superfoods. These ancient seeds were commonly consumed by people in the Mayan and Aztec cultures, Chia even got its name from the Mayan word for “strength.” They are considered a “superfood” because they pack in so many nutrients with a minimum of calories.


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3 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

1) Chia seeds are a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids and unlike flaxseeds, you don’t need to grind them up to receive the benefits. When compared to salmon, ounce for ounce, Chia seeds have more omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids (EFAs), like omega-3, are anti-inflammatory, help keep joints healthy, ease pain and reduce swelling. EFAs also support heart health, help with depression, stress, arthritis and menopause.

2) Chia seeds have a high fiber content about 11 grams of fiber in 2 tablespoons (1 ounce). Fiber is important for all aspects of health, especially digestion, it can also aid in weight loss because it makes you feel fuller by soaking up fluid and expanding in your digestive tract.

3) 1 ounce of Chia seeds contains antioxidants, 4 grams of protein and more calcium than a serving of skim milk!


My version of Rasberry Chia seed pudding(acupuncturechicago)

3 Easy Food Ideas

1) I’ve made Chia seed pudding. The seeds become gel-like when mixed with liquid. On my pintrest recipe board, I have several Chia pudding recipes you can check out.

2) Chia seeds have a very mild, nutty flavor that makes them easy to add to foods and drinks. I often include a tablespoonful of seeds in my smoothies.

3) You can also sprinkle Chia seeds on your cereal, yogurt or salads and mix it into drinks.

Enjoy

Jennifer Dubowsky, LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist with a practice in downtown Chicago, Illinois, since 2002. Dubowsky earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from University of Illinois in Chicago and her Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Colorado. During her studies, she completed an internship at the Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital in Beijing, China. Dubowsky has researched and written articles on Chinese medicine and has given talks on the topic. She maintains a popular blog about health and Chinese medicine at Acupuncture Blog Chicago. Adventures in Chinese Medicine is her first book. You can find her at www.tcm007.com.
 
*Image of “chia seeds pudding“ via Shutterstock
Jennifer Dubowsky is a licensed acupuncturist with a practice in downtown Chicago, Illinois, since 2002. Jennifer maintains a popular blog about health and Chinese Medicine and In 2013, Jennifer released her first book, Adventures in Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture, Herbs and Ancient Ideas for Today.
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