(780) 705-0450
Dr. Michelle Mackay Patel, ND
  • Home
  • About
    • Dr. Mackay Patel
    • Naturopathic Medicine
    • Services >
      • Naturopathic Treatments
      • IV Therapy
      • Injection Therapy
      • Prolotherapy
  • New Patients
  • FAQ
  • Contact

Chia Seeds: Tiny Powerhouse

5/25/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Chia seeds were prized by ancient cultures as a source of sustainable energy. In fact, "chia" is the ancient Mayan word for strength. A tiny nutrition powerhouse, Chia is rich in dietary fiber and contains significant amounts of minerals and vitamins. One ounce of Chia seeds provides calcium, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus among other micronutrients, very little fat, and just 138 calories.

With a high amount of antioxidants and Omega-3 Fatty Acids, there are many health benefits associated with Chia seeds. Some studies indicate that people who regularly consume chia seeds have a lower risk for diabetes and heart disease. Chia is considered energizing and hydrating, which is why the seeds are often added to teas, smoothies, kombucha, and sports drinks.
​
It's simple to add Chia seeds to your diet. Since the seeds are bland, you can add them to just about any dish or beverage without changing its flavor. Mix chia into cereal, oatmeal, pudding, or yogurt, or blend into a smoothie. Chia seeds can be soaked in juice and added to baked goods. Also, you can eat raw seeds. If you're new to chia, start with about one tablespoon a day until you get used to the fiber content. A typical serving is 1.5 tablespoon twice a day, or about 20 grams.

​Try this recipe for Blueberry Chia Seed Jam! 

References:
WorldsHealthiestFoods.com "Chia or Flax Seeds: Which is preferable as an addition to meals?" Accessed 1 Mar 2017: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=dailytip&dbid=242
Nieman, D.C., Gillitt, N., Jin, F., et al., "Chia Seed supplementation and disease risk factors in overweight women: A metabolomics investigation." The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. July 2012, 18(7): 700-708. doi:10.1089/acm.2011.0443. http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2011.0443
"Phytochemical profile and nutraceutical potential of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) by ultra high performance liquid." J Chromatography A (2014) 1346: 43-48. Accessed 1 Mar 2017: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2014.04.007
BetterNutrition.com "Super Seeds" (May 2012) Accessed 1 Mar 2017: http://www.betternutrition.com/chia-seeds/
AuthorityNutrition.com "11 Proven Benefits of Chia Seeds." Accessed 1 Mar 2017: https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/​
Photo Credit: 
adaptice images/bigstockphoto.com
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture


    I am an Edmonton, Alberta Naturopathic Doctor with a desire to help others, a passion for life, a heart for nature, and a curiosity to try new things!

    This blog is not intended to give specific medical advice. Always seek the recommendations of a qualified healthcare professional for your specific health needs.

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    September 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015

    Categories

    All
    Allergies
    Anxiety
    Botanical Medicine
    Brain
    Cold And Flu
    Dairy Free
    Detox
    Diabetes
    Digestion
    DIY
    Environmental Health
    Exercise
    Food Sensitivities
    Gluten Free
    Heart Health
    Immune System
    Lifestyle
    Mindfulness
    Naturopathic Medicine
    Nutrition
    Organic
    Pain
    Recipe
    Sleep
    Stress
    Vegan
    Vitamin
    Water
    Weight Loss
    Wellness
    Women's Health

Contact:

SMRT Health
14256 23 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T6R 3B9
P: (780) 705-0450

www.smrthealth.com
Tweets by @michellempnd
Photos used under Creative Commons from juliana swenson, Cabruta08, genphyslab, frankieleon, aqua.mech