Hey guys. So, let’s rap. I tuned into Dr. Oz today and he had an interesting bit about the new “fad” super seed and superfood. Apparently, flax is old news and ch-ch-ch-CHIA! is the new jock on the block. The folks over at The Doctors had a similar segment on it the just the other day, and so I figured this second time around, I should pay attention.
Turns out, chia is way more than just fuzzy green hair on potted animals.
It’s a seed native to Mexico & Guatemala, once a staple of Mayan diets. They may be wrong about the whole 2012 apocalypse business, but it seems like they got this one right.
Chia seeds reportedly have 500 times the calcium as milk, and the same omega-3 content as salmon. (At ~$6 per bag of ground seeds, this is great news for your wallet– no more looking at the wild alaskan at Whole Foods with sad eyes!) Chia’s packed with more protein than flax seeds and even some meats. And of course, let’s not forget about the fiber. Fiber is not just for our parents, people. Eat up.
All in all, it seems to pack more punch per pinch.
A pinch. Is a pinch all it really takes? Actually, yes. The recommended daily amount is ~1 ounce, or a couple spoonfuls. I read that it has a nutty flavor. I’d guess it would make a nice addition sprinkled over some veggies, or easily mixed in a smoothie. It being the season of oatmeal, I think this is where I will start my experiments. Or yogurt. I mean come on, how amazing does this look:
So how ’bout it. Anyone want to try this out with me?
Le pain quotidien has a chia muffin, althought that might not be the name. It is quite yummy. They make it with a smidge of dark chocolate (i htink) and a little agave and it looks funky but tastes really good.
That sounds pretty tasty, Aditi. I’ll have to stop in and try it!
I’ve heard good things about Chia seeds! I’ll give ‘em a try! (Wish I’d read this BEFORE I went to the store.)