Chemical Free Seed! The Richest Plant Source Of Omega 3.
Nutritional Facts: Chia Seeds contain oil amounts varying between 32-39% with the oil offering the highest natural percentage of Omega-3 essential fatty acid known to man (60-64%) whereas soybean oil and conola oil contain less than 10% fo this essential omega-3 fatty acid. Chia seeds are a very rich source of omega-3 EFA.
Chia seeds are also rich in the beneficial long-chain triglycerides that help maintain the proper wall flexibility of cells and restore the proper cholesterol/triglyceride ratio Your body converts the alpha-linolenic Omega-3 of chia into DHA and EPA fatty acids that are found in fish oil.
Chia has 19 to 23% protein content, more than that found in traditional cereals such as wheat (13.7%), corn (9.4%), rice (6.5%). barley (12.5%) and oatmeal (16.9%). Chia's protein is complete with all the essential amino acids and is gluten-free.
Chia seeds are a powerful source of the antioxidants chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid as well as myircetin, quercetin and kaempferol flavonols that protect delicater essential fatty acids from oxidation. Unlike other sources of omega-3 This information came from Chia Enterprises P/L NSW Australia
Dietary Fibre:
Chia seeds are a fantastic source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre. Soluble fibre is 'soluble' in water. When mixed with water it forms a gel-like substance and swells. Soluble fibre has many benefits. Insoluble fibre does not absorb or dissolve in water. It passes through the digestive system in close to its original form. Insoluble fibre offers many benefits to intestinal health.
Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are substances that can protect the body's cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Because oxidation is a naturally occurring process within the body through external sources such as exposure to the sun or pollution, a balance with antioxidants must exist to maintain cell health. Chia is an excellent source of antioxidants.
Studies have shown a diet containing antioxidants can slow the process of aging in both the body and the brain such as lessen the effects of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and muscle degeneration.
The level of antioxidant within foods is measured by their Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or ORAC score
Protein & Amino Acids:
Protein occurs in all living cells. hair and nails are mostly made of protein. The human body uses protein to build and repair tissies, to make enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. The human body needs relatively large anounts of protein and must draw on it from the diet as protein isn't stored in the body.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Of the amino acids found in proteins, some can be made by the body while others are essential in the diet. Amino acids are used tor the synthesis of body proteins and can also be used as a source of dietary energy. Chia seeds contain all 8 essential amino acids and more.
Vitamins, Minerals & Gluten:
Chia is wholefood packed with wide range of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, in particular:
• Calcium - ensures strong bones and teeth as well as the proper functioning of neuromuscular and cardiac function.
• Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) - required for normal blood function and neurological function. Normally found in red meat or diary, Chiatah is an ideal vegetarian source of B12.
• Iron - is a component of a number of proteins, most importantly haemoglobin which transports oxygen to tissues throughout the body, in particular from the lungs to the muscles and other organs.
• Magnesium - aids in the body's absorption of calcium and also plays a key role in the strength and formation of bones and teeth. Magnesium is also vital for maintaining a healthy heart by stabilising heart rhythm and helping prevent abnormal blood clotting.
• Phosphorus - supplies the body with phosphate, and phosphate is a main component of bone structure. Phosphorus is necessary to maximise the benefits of calcium and can also help maintain the health of the kidneys and regulate fluid levels in the body.
• Potassium - helps to regulate blood pressure, to keep the right balance of water in fat and muscle tissues and ensures the proper functioning of cells.
Chia is gluten free. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley. Some people cannot tolerate gluten when it comes in contact with the small intestine in a condition known as celiac disease.
Just how does CHIA compare with other foods recognised as being high in antioxidants ???
How To Use Chia:
The beautiful thing about chia seeds is they can be added to almost any recipe to gain all the nutritious benefits they offer to us. It's really only limited to our imagination as to where we add chia in our foods. You can sprinkle it as is on almost anything you eat as the seeds have no taste and are a nice crunchy addition to just about anything you eat. I have it sprinkled on my fruit salad and yoghurt, sprinkled on my salads and also mix it in with my vegie meals at night.
CHIA GEL
The most important recipe is the chia gel. Always keep on hand to mix in a variety of things! Chia gel can be used to replace oils in most baking recipes that call for oil or butter. It can also replace eggs in many recipes as well. It can be blended or used "as is".
Mix 1 part chia seeds to 9 parts water. Whisk to break up any clumping and let stand 15 minutes. Whisk again then place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep up to 3 weeks.
CHIA SPREAD
100g chia gel , 100g softened butter. Place chia gel in a blender and blend until smooth. Add softened butter and blend until smooth. Place in airtight container and use as you would normal butter from toast to melting for popcorn. Its great! This information came from Chia Enterprises P/L NSW Australia
|