Aztecs ate chia seeds to boost their energy levels.
Originally from Mexico and cultivated by the Mayans and Aztecs, Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, commonly known as Chia. As of 2011, farmers grow this plant commercially in Central and South America. The seeds get credit for a variety of medicinal properties. However, ingesting them may cause troubling side effects.
Nutritional Information
Approximately 2 tablespoons of Chia seeds contain 4 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber. When you eat Chia seeds, you also ingest vitamins, minerals, calcium omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, making the seeds a healthy food. These tiny black-and-white seeds have a mild, nutty flavor. Add Chia seeds to your diet by sprinkling them over your cereal, vegetables, rice, sauces or yogurt. Make Chia fresca by mixing the seeds in water then adding lemon or lime juice and sugar.
Weight Loss
Some people use chia seeds as a weight loss aid. Supposedly Chia seeds expand in your stomach. This makes you to feel full for longer, eat less food and eventually lose unwanted weight. However, David Neiman, Dr.PH of the Appalachian State University in North Carolina held a 12-week study that revealed no changes in appetite or weight loss with the consumption of Chia seeds. Further study is needed before a conclusive verdict on the weigh- loss properties of the Chia seed can be determined.
Cardiovascular Disease
The ingestion of Salba---a type of chia seed--- in bread may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic people. According to Web MD, a diabetic person would need to consume 37 grams of Salba per day over a period of 12 weeks to lower his blood pressure, lower C-reactive protein (high C-reactive protein levels may cause some forms of heart disease) and lessen the von Willebrand factor, which affects the formation of clots that cause heart attacks and strokes. However, more study is needed to determine if Salba is effective at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients.
Precautions
Though Chia seeds are considered a healthy food, take caution when eating them. Some people experience an allergic reaction to Chia seeds, especially if they're already allergic to sesame or mustard seeds. Chia seeds can also interfere with high blood pressure medication and blood thinners. There has not been enough research to determine if ingesting Chia seeds for more than 12 weeks is safe. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid eating chia seeds simply because no one knows how Chia seeds affect unborn or newborn babies. Chia seeds consists of a high amount of alpha linolenic acid. Some studies show a link between high amounts of this acid and prostate cancer, so don't eat Chia seeds if you suffer from prostate cancer or are at a high risk for the disease.
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