In this episode I’m going to discuss another one of the so called superfoods and this one was known as “Runner’s food” in ancient times because supposedly runners and warriors would use them as fuel while running long distances or during battle. These packets of energy are called Chia which means “strength” in the Mayan language. They are healthy and delicious and loaded with lots of energizing nutrients for our body and brain.
In this episode you’ll discover:
- Why Chia seeds were unknown to most of the world for so long
- The beneficial nutrients found in Chia seeds
- Why they can reduce the effects of free radical damage
- Why they are so beneficial for digestive health
- How they can directly improve energy and endurance
- How they can reduce inflammation in the body
- Why the Omega 3 fatty Acids in them may not be super useful to us
- Cautions related to Chia seed consumption
- Delicious ways to incorporate Chia seeds into your diet
Items mentioned in this episode include:
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links which help me pay the bills for The Ed Talks at no extra cost to you. - EB25: The Aloe Vera Health Effect
- History of Chia seeds
- EB20: Raw Cacao, Cocoa, Chocolate – What’s Best?
- Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (Amazon link)
- The Tarahumara Indians in Mexico’s Copper Canyon
- The Tarahumara’s energy drink iskiate (also known as Chia Fresca)
- Western Australian Chia producer TheChiaCo
- Anti-oxidant content of Chia seeds
- Anti-oxidant comparison and Fiber content of Chia seeds
- Comparison of black Chia seeds to white Chia seeds for anti-oxidant capacity
- Nutritional Profile of Chia seeds
- Beneficial effect of Chia seed upon blood sugar levels
- High fibre content of Chia seeds compared to other foods
- Image explaining Chia seed’s hydrophilic properties
- Break down of insoluble and soluble fibre found in Chia seeds
- Endurance enhancing benefits of Chia seeds
- Protein breakdown of Chia seeds
- The effect of zinc on reducing fatigue and improving endurance
- Cardio vascular benefits of Chia seeds
- Fat content of Chia seeds
- Chia seeds found to increase ALA and EPA, but not DHA
- Phytic ccid explained and how to reduce it if so desired
- Australian supplier of organic Chia seeds
- US supplier of organic Chia seeds (Amazon link)
- 3 tips to start the day with more energy
Some great ways to use Chia seeds As An Egg Substitute 1 Tblsp finely ground Chia seeds and 3 Tblsp of water = 1 egg for a baked recipe.
A Delicious Healthy Pudding A winner for everyone including kids.
- 2 cups of milk of your choice
- ½ cup Chia seeds
- 2 Tblsp cacao powder (or natural cocoa powder)
- ½ tsp salt
- The seeds scraped out of 1 vanilla bean pod
- 1 mashed banana or 1 Tblsp of sweetener of your choice
Blend up all the ingredients and leave it in the fridge for 10 minutes to thicken up.
To Thicken Soups or Gravies Just add a couple tablespoons of Chia seeds (ground up or not) at a time to reach the desired thickness in place of say cornstarch.
Use in Meatballs in Place of Breadcrumbs Use a couple of tablespoons of ground chia seeds (per 1/2kg or pound of meat) in place of bread crumbs.
For Crumbing foods It gives foods like fish a great crunchy coating for frying
Sprouted for Salads Here’s a link to an easy guide of "How to sprout chia seeds".
Homemade Energy Drink - 3 cups of healthy liquid of your choice like water, coconut water, rooibos tea
- 2 Tblsp Chia seeds
- ¼ tsp of quality salt like pink Himalayan salt
- ¼ tsp of kakadu plum powder or 1 tsp calcium magnesium powder
- ¼ cup or more of a juice of your choice to sweeten if you need it
- If you really want to boost your energy add 1 tsp of Spirulina.
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