Chia is a seed that is extracted from the plant known as Spanish sagebelonging to the mint family, consists of a plant species which has the highest concentration omega 3 fatty acid.
The plant from which chia comes blooms between July and August and Australia is the country that produces it the most; from these flowers is extracted the product whose seed turns out to have a high mucilage contentused in pharmacy as a mixture both in suspensions and emulsions, being one of the major calorie sources consumed by humans and also in oil.
Among the benefits that chia offers, the following stand out:
Provides an elevated energy percentageso it allows to increase the resistance and of course, the force.
Maintains levels of blood sugar under control, as it makes the process through which carbohydrates are converted into simple sugarsis performed at a slower speed.
It promotes weight loss, because when consumed, a Feeling full that stays for several hours.
Due to its high content of Soluble fiberpromotes intestinal regulation.
It works as a treatment for anti-inflammatory problems and cardiovascular diseasessince it contains a high content of omega 3 (which allows to keep under control not only the cholesterol levelsbut also blood pressure).
Chia contains among its properties the following:
Double fiber of which any cereal in leaves has.
Double the potassium of bananas.
Triple the iron in spinach.
Triple the selenium in flax.
Triple the iron of spinach.
The triple the antioxidants possessed by blueberries.
Five times more calcium than whole milk has and at least eight times more phosphorus than it has.
Seven times more than omega 3 of the one who owns the salmon.
Fourteen times more magnesium than the amount of broccoli.
Similarly, it should be noted that it is a food with a high content of niacin, manganese, zinc, copper and some other vitamins.
However, one of its greatest properties is its high content of essential fatty acidsSince the body cannot produce these acids, it is essential to consume them through different foods. The essential fatty acids They have many important functions, ranging from helping and preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular diseasesuntil optimizing the immune or nervous system.
Chia seeds are about a soluble fiber source and very complete proteins, since they provide all those amino acids that are essential for the proper functioning of the body.
They also have a high percentage of antioxidantswhich are responsible for preventing damage caused to the body by free radicals. The appropriate amount of free radical provides health benefits, however an excessive increase in them is usually associated with degenerative conditionsAmong other.
As if it were not enough, due to its great ability to prevent carbohydrates from becoming simple sugarsconsist of seeds that offer great benefits for those who suffer from diabetes; also, because of its high content of Omega 3are ideal for those with heart conditions. And they are also gluten-free, so they are ideal for celiacs.
Although it has each of the above properties, it is necessary to take into account the daily consumption dose for chia seeds, which usually does not exceed 10gr, for example, this seeds contain a higher amount of omega 3 acid compared to salmon; however they are consumed to a lesser extent than this.
Ways to use chia
It is recommended consume them in their natural form and not as an addition to any oil or supplement. In addition, chia seeds They have the peculiarity that they can be perfectly preserved for long periods of time without having to add some kind of special preservative.
These seeds can be consumed as is, although you have to hydrate them with watersmoothies, juice or yogurt beforehand. By mixing chia seeds with some kind of liquid, you are release mucilagegenerating a type of gelatin that can be added to drinks or salad dressings, as well as desserts.
Similarly, chia seeds have been used as a supplement to feed animalsIn particular, experiments have been carried out with both pigs and chickens and the result is usually meat that has a less saturated fatty acidsin addition to eggs that have a high content of omega 3.
In certain people, consuming these seeds could generate stomachache. Likewise, they are not recommended for those who suffer from diverticulitissince the inflammation may get worse. Similarly and as an isolated case, those who suffer allergies to certain plants could be affected by consuming chia, as it could cause them trouble breathing properly, decay, itching and even a lot of weakness.
Although Chia has multiple properties and benefits, it is always recommended to consult a specialist before starting to consume it.
Characteristics of Salvia hispánica (plant from which Chia comes)
Opposite leaves with a width that varies between 3-5cm and a length of 4-8cm.
Your flowers they are hermaphroditic and white in color or purple, which arise in terminal clusters. These bloom in the Northern Hemisphere from July to August and they usually bear fruit at the end of the summer.
Its fruits are shaped like indehiscent achene / achene and its seeds (chia) have a high content of starch, mucilage and oil.
Its seeds they are 1,5mm wide and 2mm longare shiny and oval in shape, are black or dark brown, although in some cases they are gray or white.
Chia plant care (Salvia Hispánica)
For, grow the Salvia Hispánicait is necessary to take into account certain factors that will be very helpful for the plants to develop healthy and strongthus having the opportunity to take full advantage of the chia tree:
Requires aerated and loose soil, where it receives enough sunlightas it does not bloom in the shadows.
