Chia is known to the South American Indians
It has come to Europe from the New World. Today it is considered the food of the future because it is low in calories, but gives a lot of energy and contains good fibers. We will briefly introduce you to the ways to prepare chia, as well as introduce you to its history.
The rule is a teaspoon of seeds to be mixed in a teaspoon of water. In half an hour or more, the seeds will absorb the liquid and turn it into a thick jelly. This reaction is due to the soluble fibers contained in chia seeds.
According to nutritionists, the same phenomenon, as chia seeds turning into jelly, occurs in our stomach when we eat food containing such fibers. The jelly that forms in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing down the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.
Chia is healthy for diabetics
It slows down the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar and creates prerequisites for endurance. Carbohydrates are the fuel that gives energy to our body. Prolonging their conversion into sugar leads to stabilization of metabolic changes and reduction of alternating waves of high and low sugar, thus creating a longer lasting effect of fuel supply.
Chia consumption began with the ancient Aztecs. The chia seeds from Central and South America are known as running food. Chia is high energy. It is believed that the Aztecs survived with chia during their conquests. With a teaspoon of chia Indian men could last 24 hours. They ran thanks to these seeds from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade.
What can be made with chia?
1. You can drink it
Put chia seeds in a glass of water and drink them. Put the chia in any liquid - coffee, tea, water or juice, stir and set it aside for a minute or two so that they soak well. If you leave them to soak for longer, they will turn into a jelly and you can eat them with a spoon. The jelly will taste like the liquid in which the seeds are soaked in and you can put it in a container and store it in the refrigerator for later consumption as a delicious dessert.
2. You can sprinkle it on almost any food, salad, fish, vegetables, soups or add it in yogurt and anything you can think of.
3. One of the most common ways of consumption is by soaking chia seeds. The seeds absorb a large amount of water very quickly, usually up to 10 minutes. You can make a jelly by adding 1/3 cup of the seeds to 2 cups of water. Stir well so that no lumps remain and then place them in a jar with a lid and eat them whenever you want.
Chia contains protein, antioxidants, calcium, potassium, iron. That is why it is good for gluten-free diets. It is a superfood because it gives a lot of energy. In addition, these seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and have boron - a mineral that helps move calcium to the bones.
You can make chia pudding or make chia soaked in milk. They are great for a healthy afternoon snack.
