It's happening to us lately we keep hearing the name of this food everywhere. We find it on restaurant menus, in YouTube, TikTok and Instagram recipes, on supermarket shelves... And this name is chia. But what is it? They are natural seeds that provide many properties beneficial for our health. In addition, they are very versatile and can accompany many recipes. We tell you all about these seeds here.
What are chia seeds?
Chia is the fruit of the Salvia Hispanica plant. That is, one familiar plant of mint or thyme. Physically they differ from others for their large and bushy oval leaves. Accompanied by flowers that can be purple or white. Focusing more on this fruit, chia, we have to say that they are very small brown seeds. Its individual flavor is exquisite, we could say that it is very reminiscent of the nuts. That is why it is so popular. So much so that it has large plantations in Mexico, Bolivia and Argentina.
However, its origin is located in Latin America. Precisely its cultivation area ranges from the center of Mexico to Guatemala and Nicaragua. Places where its popularity is nothing new. Well, since pre-Columbian times it has raised beliefs that have become legends. In this way, the peoples Maya and aztecs they used the chia as power source. There are even myths that ensure that these ancestors could endure days without eating anything other than these seeds.
Benefits of its consumption
And it is that these beliefs were not far from reality. As chia provides incredible properties beneficial for our health. To begin, we are going to stick to how the Dictionary of Gastronomy of the Ibero-American Academy of Gastronomy (AIBG) defines it. That says: “chia is a natural source of fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals, among other nutrients. It is considered, in fact, a superfood due to its high calcium and vitamin content.
If what you are looking for is a food to add to your diet with the aim of lose weight, try chia. It has all the ballots to be the best option. It has large amounts of fiber, which helps regulate, improve and promote intestinal transit. As well as reduce blood sugar levels. Becoming a breath also ideal for diabetics. Continuing with the goal of losing weight, this superfood absorbs liquids very well. Thus helping to satiate more quickly.
In addition, it is very beneficial when it comes to controlling: pathologies such as hypertension, circulatory problems, certain brain and cardiovascular functions. The nutritionist and author of various books such as Superfoods explains why: “chia is very rich in omega fatty acids, this gives it anti-inflammatory properties and protective of the cardiovascular system and also improves mental capacity and strengthens the immune system”.
How can you introduce chia in your recipes?
Chia is a super versatile food, It can be used in sweet and savory dishes. Of course, keep in mind that its properties will be more or less useful according to the role they have in the recipe. Being more recommended after being soaked in water for about half an hour. The seeds they need to hydrate, in this way "we will better absorb the nutrients and avoid the risk of the seeds sticking in the intestine and harming us," says Blanca García-Orea, a nutritionist specializing in digestive nutrition.
However, the way in which most consumed is raw in confectionery. A widely used resource is as a complement mixed with yogurt. Although, they are also found quite a bit in breads, biscuits, muffins or brioches. An advice that the expert gives us is that the let's freeze “Well, in the fridge they start to oxidize after two or three days. They don't get block frozen, so you can have them at any time".
We do not believe there is any doubt that chia is a highly recommended superfood. However beware! all the previously mentioned benefits are not enough. That is to say, it is not capable of regulating pathologies by itself, but is a help to achieve it. Likewise, we remember the importance of consulting a professional before choosing to consume food freely for medical purposes. And you? How to insert chia in your diet?
