Superfoods: chia seeds
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A popular food from the current superfood trend is chia seeds. This little seed from Central America is said to be beneficial to health and is being added to their daily diet by more and more people. It is a great source of protein, minerals, Omega 3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxidants. Chia does not mean 'power' for nothing in the language of the Maya, who made extensive use of these seeds. What exactly these seeds do for health, and how they can be incorporated into the daily diet will be explained in this article.
What is it?
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Chia seeds come from Chi, also known as Salvia hispanica. This is a plant from the lip flower family and is related to the mint plant. This plant is native to Central and Southern Mexico and Guatemala. The seeds of these plants were therefore long ago used by the Aztecs and the Maya, for whom it formed an important part of the diet. They often used it when they had to make long journeys. With the arrival of the Spaniards, the beneficial properties of chia seeds have been forgotten, until recently it regained popularity. The seeds are grown naturally, and because the plant contains certain fats that repel pests, no pesticides are needed.
What does it do for health?
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Chia seed is called a superfood because it has a positive effect on the body. Four ingredients are responsible for this:
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45 minMain dishRed cabbage, mild olive oil, quinoa plus, forest outing, lemon, sesame oil, soy sauce less salt, Bio Today tahini white in pot, tap water,grilled red cabbage with quinoa salad -
30 minDessertBrie, Roquefort, port salut, gruyere, Camembert, walnut, garlic, thyme, honey, grape, baguette, Red onion, red grape, raisins, Red wine, Red wine vinegar, Brown sugar,generous cheese plate with onion marmalade -
30 minDessertFull Milk, whipped cream, macaroon, custard powder, vanilla sugar, sugar, protein, amaretto, almond liqueur, basic recipe cooking pears,macaroon pastry with casserole
How to use chia seeds?
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Chia seeds can be added to the daily diet in many different ways. First of all, it is advisable to soak them in water for 10 minutes before use, as they can absorb up to 9 times their weight in water. They do not need to be ground before use so that the body can absorb the nutrients, as is the case with linseed, for example. They have a neutral taste which makes them easy to add to all kinds of dishes, such as salads, in bread, in yogurt or in a smoothie. The recommended amount is 25 grams per day, which is approximately equal to two tablespoons. Chia seeds should be stored dry and dark, this way they have a long shelf life. It is available at health food stores and of course on the Internet.