It seems researchers are constantly looking at certain indigenous groups for answers to their health, vitality, strength, even in the face of otherwise poor living conditions as compared to Modern Industrialized Countries with world class health care -- yet why do they have lower incidence of cardio-vascular disease, low obesity rates, and other common diseases and disorders that are becoming all too common for the rest of the world.

Chia Seeds and Oils comes to be one of the answers.  As an Ancient Crop preceding the arrival of Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New World -- Native Amercians, Aztecs, and other indigneous groups introduced Chia to foreign visitors. For whatever reason Chia Seeds never caught on with the Europeans and Amercian settlers, and remained a diet staple, and crop for Native Americans in the Southwestern US and Northern Mexico Regions.

Chia seeds were originally used by the Mayans as an energy supplement. The running messengers used to carry a little pouch of the seeds around with them. So, chia has been called the “Indian running food”.

Now as you will read on about the many worthy properties and health benefits of the Chia Seed, we can have an appreciation and gratitude that this Super Food is still available, and gaining in popularity.  This resurgence is also leading to further clinical research connecting the dots to how Chia Seeds effectively works in our bodies.

 

Much like yourself we discovered Chia Seeds doing research on the internet.  Here at Berkshire Grain we are always looking for ways to improve our products and in doing research for Hemp Seeds, we believe we found something even better.  What we found was that Chia seeds and Flax seeds have more electrolytes and fiber compared to Hemp seed.  However Chia Seeds have a significantly longer shelf-life (especially important for our granolas), while Hemp and Flax are prone to go rancid in relative short periods.  Chia Seeds need no special processing to eat, and are best when consumed whole, without the need to be converted into a ground meal, in order for proper absorption to take place in the body.  Many people enjoy Chia Seeds by creating a gel, when mixed with water or fruit juice -- you'll find a gel recipe on in this article.

We live in a world bombarded by slogans and bumper stickers, labels -- so while an accurate descriptor of Chia Seeds no doubt is "Super Food" if something like that turns you off -- then why not thnk of Chia Seeds as real food with some rather high essential nutritive values and properties.  Best of all Chia Seeds are odorless and take on the flavor of the food or liquid you mix it with.

The gel-forming property of Chia Seeds tends to slow digestion and sustain balanced blood sugar levels, which can be helpful in preventing or controlling diabetes. Whole, water-soaked Chia Seeds can be easily digested and absorbed. This results in rapid transport of chia nutrients to the tissues for use by the cells. Chia also facilitates the growth and regeneration of tissue during pregnancy and lactation, and aids the regeneration of muscles for conditioning athletes and bodybuilders. For the dieter, this means feeling full with no more peaks and valleys in blood sugar levels.

Chia Gel causes a slow release of carbohydrates and an equally slow converting of carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar) forenergy. The outer layer of Chia Sseeds is rich in mucilloid-soluble fiber, intended to keep the seeds from drying out in desert air. When chia seeds are mixed with water or stomach juices, (GERD sufferers rejoice) a gel forms that creates a physical barrier between the carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down. The carbohydrates are digested eventually, but at a slow and uniform rate. There is no insulin surge or spike needed to lower the blood sugar level after eating chia.

Chia seeds and oil naturally contain more than 60% Omega-3 fatty acid, this is the highest 

percentage of Omega-3 of any commercially available source.

The body converts Omega-3 from Chia into EPA and DHA. Chia has no odor, doesn’t go rancid, 

easy to store, easy to use, has very little flavor/taste and is not contaminated with pesticides,

chemicals or heavy metals.

 -- Chia Seeds have many significant benefits if you already suffer from many common inflammations, diesease, and dietary conditions.  There is lots of other beneficial research on the internet in support of how Chia helps bring your body's systems into better balance.  We suggest you to make your own decision, but rest assure Chia Seeds first and foremost is a clean, chemical and pesticide free crop that's been around for centuries and an economical choice for your health, fitness, vitality and strength.

All Berkshire Grain Granola contain Certified Organic Chia, we also have Organic Black Chia Seeds availalable for sale in 1lb and 5 lb Pouches.