What Kind of Plants are Chia Pets?
For years you have seen them growing in that goofy Chia Pet on the counter, but you probably never considered eating a chia seed.
Well, you should think about it because they may just be the next “super food” – packed with omega 3, antioxidants, fiber calcium and protein.
Chia seeds come from Salvia hispanica, a desert herb that is a member of the mint family. It grows predominantly in southern Mexico, where it used to be grown in abundance and is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
Chia Seeds are Healthier than Flax Seeds
Comparable to but healthier than flax seeds, chia seeds have been around since ancient times. The Aztec Indians made them a major part of their diets and revered them so much that they were used in sacred ceremonies.
The seeds are so packed with nutrition that Aztec warriors would survive on just a handful per day while they were traveling. They are richer than flax seeds in omega three fatty acids which help brain function as well as growth. Another benefit is that they do not go bad, so they can be stored longer than flax seed. This makes it easier to buy in bulk and save money.
Chia Seeds are Easy to Digest
Chia seeds do not have to be ground up like flax seeds to get full health benefits because they are easier to digest. So they are much easier to add to a diet. Just sprinkle into yogurt or cereal or bake into pancakes or muffins. Their slightly nutty flavor is mild enough that you won’t even notice them added to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or sprinkled on a salad.
In addition to their super nutritional value, chia seeds are hydrophilic, which means they absorb water. In fact, they can absorb twelve times their weight in water, forming a gelatin-like substance.
The result of this is when eaten with other foods the chia seeds form a physical barrier between the carbohydrates in foods and digestive enzymes. This slows the body’s process of changing carbs into sugars. So instead of riding a rollercoaster of sugar spiking and then crashing, the body more slowly and evenly uses the sugar for lasting energy. This makes it great for diabetics or anyone who likes cake.
No wonder those Aztec warriors running through the jungles were such big fans. I may have to try some sprinkled on my ice cream or baked into my next pan of grain free, gluten free brownies!
Chia seed is considered to be a Dietetic Nutritional Supplement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, it complies with the severe criteria of nutrients content established by this organization to be regarded as “healthy food.” Chia seeds are definately a great addition to both the grain free and gluten free diet! How To Use Chia Seeds
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Great info on chia seeds. Thank you! I’ve also just learned that buckwheat is also not a grain. Who would have thunk?
Thanks for the info on chia seeds.
Great website. Keep it up for us, please!
Hi Sheryl!
Thanks for the comment! Buckwheat is also on my list to research. There are actually quite a few grain free foods that we can tap into. The trick is to find out what they are and learn how to incorporate them into our lifestyle.
That is what I hope to accomplish with this site. There just isn’t a lot of information out there for a grain free diet for humans. (There is a lot for pets!) Please keep checking back and let me know if you have any specific questions. What information would be the most helpful to you as you start a grain free diet? I’d love to know!