I am willing to bet that you heard how amazing chia seeds are, and you have a bag in your pantry but not sure what to do with them. This is what I hear from women with diabetes, trying to find easy and delicious foods to satisfy them and their health.
It can be frustrating to buy a food with great intentions, but fall flat without a plan.
Read more to learn more about chia seeds and a solution, get ready to pop open that bag and start enjoying.
First off, a little chia history. In ancient Aztec culture, chia seeds were a dietary staple as well as a valuable currency. They were carried by Aztec warriors for energy and endurance and it’s said that one teaspoon fueled them for the entire day.
Chia seeds have a natural gel forming property which allows them to absorb up to 12 times their volume in water. If you mix a spoonful of chia seeds in a glass of water and let it stand for 30 minutes, the glass will contain a very thick gelatin. This is due to the high amount of soluble fiber in chia, which has one gram per tablespoon in addition to 4 grams of insoluble fiber.
Chia seeds can be a valuable key in a woman's diet to help balance blood sugar and energy throughout the day. The soluble fiber in chia seeds slows down the digestion of carbohydrates and their breakdown into sugar, keeping the blood sugar stable and helping to control or prevent diabetes. It also helps to rid the body of excess estrogens.
Weight Loss and Chia
By absorbing water and expanding, chia seeds contribute to a feeling of fullness which keeps appetite down and aids in controlling weight. The seeds also create bulk and improve elimination, keeping you regular.
But it doesn’t stop there, chia seeds also support bone health. One tablespoon contains 60 mg of calcium which is great, but even better, it provides the trace mineral boron, another catalyst for the absorption and utilization of calcium by the body.
My favorite way to eat chia seeds is in a quick and easy breakfast ideas.
CLICK HERE to get my Chia Seed Pudding Recipe that I created plus more breakfast eating tips for women
managing diabetes!
A few more ways to get this Omega-3 Fatty Acid super food into your diet
You can add a tablespoon of chia seeds to your smoothie but drink it right away before the gel-producing qualities make it too thick to drink.
Also sprinkle it on yogurt, cereal, oatmeal or salads.
Chia seeds are gluten-free and you can also add them to pancakes, muffins, breads or other baked goods.
When buying chia seeds make sure to choose ground and organic. Can find them in local grocery stores, Whole Foods Markets and also on-line at Amazon.com.
*Note - the seeds may get stuck in your teeth, so keep your toothbrush/floss handy!
ENJOY!
