Omega 3 and Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds are very high in the Omega 3 fatty acid ALA. They are also high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and protein. All of these nutrients are essential for bone health. A few interesting points about Chia seeds:
- Chia is gluten free
- High in dietary fibre
- Rich in Omega 3 ALA – superfood for the brain and heart
- 8 x more Omega 3 than salmon
- It is composed 20% protein – a complete vegetarian protein
- High in antioxidants
- 5 x more calcium than milk
- 7 x more Vitamin C than oranges
- 3 x more iron than spinach
- Positive impact balancing blood glucose levels (important for diabetics)
- Egg replacement when baking - combine with water to form gel – add it to replace egg (see our recipe
Chia seeds have a higher percentage of protein than any other grain. Chia's protein is easily absorbed and digestable. It is a complete protein source, with all the essential amino acids - 18 of the 22 amino acids, including all nine essential amino acids: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, and histadine.
Chia is the richest natural source of Omega 3. Omega 3 and 6 help our brain functions and brightens our mood. They also help our central nervous system and cell membranes health. Chia has a favorite ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6, and has the highest known natural percentage of alpha linolenic fatty acid. More than flax seeds (which needs to be ground, and has a limited shelf life) or salmon. Omega oils are important for vitamin assimilation, and for the health of your vital organs, especially your thyroid and skin cells. Chia contains long chain triglycerides in the right proportions to reduce cholesterol on arterial walls
In addition to its extremely high Omega-3 content, Chia has other components that make it attractive for human nutrition: antioxidants, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B3, plus minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc and copper
How would you eat chia seeds? Try our recipes in our blog for:
Chia pudding with almond crumble
Cupcakes are a little heavier in texture than normal cupcakes but packed with all the goodness of almonds, chia, raw cacao and more
