Bolivian Chia
Bolivian Chia
For the Aztecs and Mayas Chia was a basic dietary component for thousands of years. These ancient civilizations used chia in several ways: an energy source for long journeys as well as food for warriors.
Today chia is recognized by many as a “super food”. It is a natural source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber, offering the entire world a new option to improve nutrition and health.
Chia’s chemical composition and all its nutritional attributes make it a vital food product in the diet of every human being.
Benefits of Chia:
- Chia is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids that help prevent heart disease, circulatory problems and high blood pressure.
- The high soluble fiber content is ideal not only for those suffering from constipation, but also for diabetics, helping in the regulation of sugar levels in the blood.
- It is rich in B vitamins that are essential to the maintenance of healthy skin, tissues and the nervous system, as well as vitamin A that is fundamental for healthy eyes.
- It contributes potassium and calcium to our diet, minerals that are crucial for healthy bones and teeth.
- The seeds help eliminate liquids and toxins, and regulate intestinal flora.
- The antioxidants contribute multiple benefits to the body, mainly eliminating free radicals produced as a result of cellular oxidation.
Chia for athletes:
- It helps raise energy levels, keep the body hydrated during long periods of exercise and improve endurance.
Chia and Overweight:
- Those who wish to lose weight satisfy their hunger with less food and remain feeling satisfied for longer periods of time.
Chia for Diabetics:
- The body digests chia more slowly than other carbohydrates, which is beneficial for diabetics because it helps regulate the level of blood sugar.
Chia for Coeliac Patients:
- Is 100% gluten free but very complete nutritionally, contributing proteins, carbohydrates and lipids (including omega 3) to the diet, as well as minerals, vitamins and fiber.
Chia for Vegetarians:
- Is an excellent food for vegetarians, since it is about 23% protein. It is recognized as a source of complete protein due to its remarkable profile including almost all the essential amino acids.
- The chia seed is the richest vegetable source of omega 3 that is essential to cardiac fitness and healthy cholesterol levels.
Chia for Pregnant Women:
- Eating chia during pregnancy offers important benefits to the mother and the baby. Sufficient amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 during pregnancy help the baby’s brain develop normally, and contribute to healthy development of the baby’s nervous system and retina (the part of the eye capable of receiving images).