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Chia seeds

In season all year

Food Description:

Used for thousands of years in Aztec and Mayan diets, there is even evidence of chia seeds being consumed as early as 3500 BC.

Chia seeds are tiny seeds packed with protein, fibre and short chain Omega 3 fatty acids. While the Omega 3 from chia seeds is not as powerful as the long chain Omega 3 from oily fish it's still better than none!

One tablespoon of chia seeds provides roughly 20 per cent of the RDI of fibre.

The chia plant itself grows about 1-2 metres tall and is amember of the mint family. Chia seeds have a pleasant nutty taste and can be added to food or drinks without altering the flavour.

Chia seeds are now widely available in black and white seeds. Store them in the fridge to avoid them becoming rancid.

General Information:

Category: Cheese
To Buy: Look for chia seeds in health food stores.
To Store: Store in the fridge once opened to retain Omega 3 content and prevent rancidity.
Tips and Tricks: Try chia gel - combine 1 tbsp chia seeds with 1 cup water to form a nourishing gel that can be added to smoothies, yoghurt, salad dressings and sauces.

Nutrition (1 Tablespoon):

Weight (grams): 15.0
Carbohydrates, g: 5.6
Protein (g): 3.1
Saturated Fat, g : 0.6
Omega 6 (g): Polyunsaturated fatty acids essential in the diet as the body can't produce naturally. Lowers levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, therefore protects against heart disease. Involved in production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Iron, mg: Main function is synthesis of red blood cells, thus delivering oxygen around the body and maintaining all bodily functions. Contraindications: Excess accumulation may play a role in development of heart disease.
Salicylates: Naturally occurring plant chemicals found in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, jams, honey, yeast extracts, tea and coffee, juices, beer and wines. Also present in flavourings, perfumes, scented toiletries and some medications. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. No information available
Energy (kJ): 288
Fibre, g:
Fat (g): 5.0
Omega 3's (g): Polyunsaturated fatty acids essential in the diet as the body can't produce naturally. Lowers levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, therefore protects against heart disease. Involved in production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
Calcium: The most abundant mineral in the body, calcium is essential for health of bones and teeth, and also for nerve transmission, cardiovascular health, muscle contraction and blood clotting.
Amines: Amines come the breakdown or fermentation of proteins. High amounts are found in cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and yeast extracts. Smaller amounts are present in some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, avocados, bananas. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. No information available
Glutamates: Glutamate is found naturally in many foods, as part of protein. It enhances the flavour of food, which is why foods rich in natural glutamates such as tomatoes, mushrooms and cheeses are commonly used in meals. Pure monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as an additive to artificially flavour many processed foods, and should be avoided, especially in sensitive individuals as it can cause serious adverse reactions. n/a

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: Chiatah can be sprinkled over salads, cereals and muesli or incorporated into breads, muffins, slices, cookies or porridge.

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

Constipation

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.



Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.

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