Chia seeds were originally grown in Mexico and were highly valued, even being used as money. Aztec warriors used them as an energy and endurance source and claimed that chia seeds could give them energy for 24 hours! In fact, chia seeds were known as “runners’ food” because they were used by runners and warriors when they had to run long distances or during battle.
An added benefit is that chia seeds help boost your metabolism and help burn belly fat! Studies show that by adding chia seeds to your diet, you can actually lower your visceral adipose tissue (or belly fat), which contributes to a lowered metabolism. Chia seeds also absorb a lot of water, so they help keep you hydrated and keep you feeling full for longer. They are also high in Zinc, which increases leptin, a hormone that your body uses to regulate your appetite.
Added benefits of chia seeds:
- Keeping skin healthy and young
- Keeping your digestive system regular due to its high fiber content
- Regulating cholesterol and lowering blood pressure
- Lowering inflammation
- Preventing diabetes
- Keeping bones healthy and strong
- Building muscle
- Fighting breast and cervical cancer
- Keeping teeth healthy
- You can soak them. Mix 1 ½ tablespoons of chia seeds into one cup of water or other liquid. Let them soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- You can grind them. Use either your coffee grinder or Vitamix. It can be used in gluten free recipes to help bind your flour. Just make sure you store any ground seeds in an airtight container in either the refrigerator or freezer.
- You can eat them whole. Just be aware that can get stuck in your teeth, so have a toothbrush and floss ready!