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CHIA (SALVIA HISPANICA)
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Ch-ch-ch-chia. Did you know that the once popular commercial product known as the chia pet was actually the new super food? That's right, Chia is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants, and both soluble and insoluble fibre. p.s. Please don't eat your chia pet ...
Chia seeds are derived from the plant called Salvia hispanica. Salvia hispanica is a flowering plant in the mint family and is native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. Chia was considered a staple food of the Aztec cultures, who would say that one small serving was all a man needed to run for a day. Australia is now one of the largest producers of chia in the world. |
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CHIA |
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Chia is especially beneficial when sprouted! |
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Chia seeds are high in omega 3 fatty acids, found normally from fish sources. It is both qualitatively and quantitatively high in complete protein, both soluble and insoluble fibre, as well as anti-oxidants, magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamin C.
A study conducted on Salba®, a specific brand of Chia, found that 3.5 oz of Salba® contained as much omega 3 as 28 oz of salmon, as much calcium as 3 cups of milk, and as much iron as 5 cups of raw spinach. Chia is also gluten free, a bonus for those with gluten sensitivities who have a hard time increasing fibre consumption. All that nutrition and it's also low in calories.
Studies have shown its use in the treatment of Type II Diabetes. As a high source of fibre, it regulates blood sugar and insulin release by slowing digestion and therefore preventing the sugar "spikes" that are common after meals. Similarly, chia is said to be complimentary to exercise programs aimed at weight loss, as it keeps individuals feeling satisfied longer and therefore decreases total caloric consumption. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation (It decrease C- reactive protein, a marker of inflammation in our blood.), decrease blood pressure and has blood thinning effects, making it useful in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis, stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Chia can be consumed whole in seed form, ground and added to baking, or sprouted and used in salads and sandwiches. In Mexico, the seeds are soaked until they become gelatinous, and made into a drink called a chia fresco. Be cautious when buying chia that you are buying it from an agriculturally sound company, as to avoid high pesticide consumption. |
CHIA –
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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· seeds of the salvia hispanica plant. |
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APPLICATIONS |
· Type II diabetes, Inflammatory conditions, Obesity, High blood pressure, individuals at risk for atherosclerosis, overall health and wellbeing. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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take as directed. |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Ginger, cinnamon, mint, psyllium, calcium/magnesium, aloe vera. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
· It is recommended that you increase your water intake with increased consumption of Salba, as it is high in fibre. |
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For
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copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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