I’ve been on a bit of a chia seed kick ever since I read blogger Lindi from Mérida’s blog post about the benefits of chia seeds. Chia is an Aztec superfood that has many fantastic health properties, and is really worth looking into, in my opinion! I’ve been taking a spoonful now and then myself but feeding them daily to the dogs. I am pretty confident that chia has pretty much cleared up our old dog Lucy’s chronic goopy ear situation that has plagued her since she was a puppy.
But as we are heading into the summer heat and humidity I decided to become more regular in consuming chia in an effort to combat dehydration and the problem of electrolyte imbalance you get when you sweat a lot. I buy mine in the main mercado but I’ve seen them at at Soriana and they are probably at most of the supermarkets in town. I don’t remember exactly but I think they are 105 pesos a kilo, so that would be less than $5 US a pound.
I’ve been giving Lucy (she weighs 70 pounds) a half tablespoon and Henry (about 30 lbs) about half that per day. I have started taking a tablespoon in the morning and another at dinnertime. In previous summers if I didn’t have a fruit or vegetable smoothie every day and also a bottle of Electrolit I would feel the effects of dehydration, especially if I exerted myself at all. This year I plan on riding my bike throughout the summer and know that I’ll be sweating a lot – and want to see if this will help.
I’ll report back when I have an idea whether it is working for me or not.
I hope you’ll go and read Lindi’s post but I’ll give you a few interesting tidbits here:
- According to a 2007 University of Toronto study published in the journal Diabetes Care, a quarter-cup of chia seeds supplies as much omega-3 fatty acid as a salmon fillet, 25 percent more dietary fiber than flaxseed, 30 percent more antioxidants than blueberries and as much calcium as three cups of milk.
- Chia Seeds can absorb over 10 times their weight in water making them a great enhancer in hydrating our bodies. They absorb the water we drink holding it in our system longer.
- Chia seeds are also loaded with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and have trace amounts of boron, which is an essential mineral to help transfer calcium to the bones.
Chrissy
June 6, 2010Interesting. I am going to get some and make sure Keith gets a dose everyday. He works outside and is always dehydrated.
Zoe
June 6, 2010I guess that puts a real spin on “Chia Pets”, doesn’t it? BUT..such a coinkydink as yesterday I was talking with Yuki, the wife of Rick who teaches Tai Chi and she was telling me she cleared up some skin condition on her dog with chia seeds. I thought at first I had misunderstood,but she explained further. I think I will try it too, but if green swirly things start growing out of my ears, I am coming for you!
Nancy
June 6, 2010Chrissy, I am really hopeful that this will help! It seems like it should. Please let me know if he notices a difference.
Zoe, Hey, I just said what I am doing, if you get green hairy ears you’re on your own! Nice to know Yuki has had success with it, too. Next time I see her we’ll have to compare notes.
Theresa in Merida
June 6, 2010I discovered the benefits of chia through Lindi’s post too. I have used the gel to replace eggs and even oil in baked goods. It’s not cheap here. A little bag is around $40.00 pesos at Chedrauii, which is the only place that I have found it.
I think getting enough omega3 and fiber really helps with weight control too.
Now I need to get back on the band wagon and take a tablespoon daily. I didn’t know about the calcium, my diet is a little low in that department.
Ancient grains, amaranth, quinoa and chia, what powerhouses!
regards,
Theresa
NT
June 6, 2010Great post, Nancy ! Chia seeds do have a fascinating history. It is said that the indians even used the seeds to pack wounds. Have you tried Dr. Wayne Coates’ version of Chia Fresca? In a blender, you mix the juice of 3 limes with 3 tbs of chia seeds and about 30 ounces of filtered water. Some people add a bit of Habanero, others prefer honey. Let sit for 5minutes- or not. Very refreshing, and so good for you ….
American Mommy in Mexico
June 6, 2010Learn something new every day!
Nancy
June 6, 2010Theresa, I will go to the mercado and verify the price sometime this week, I have a sneaky suspicion it is a bit more than 105/kilo. I think we have a lot to learn from the Indians that knew this place long ago!
NT, I will have to try the Chia Fresca – I will try both the habañero and the honey. Both sound good.
American Mommy, Nice to hear from you again! Take care.
Courtney
June 9, 2010Funny, I just posted about Chia seeds after reading about them in Born to Run. I posted a great smoothie recipe with Chia seeds if you are interested: http://www.therideproject.com/health-and-wellness/why-and-how-to-add-chia-seeds-to-your-healthy-diet
Thanks!
Courtney
Nancy
June 9, 2010Thanks for writing, Courtney. I love your site, and am impressed with your commitment to donate such a large amount to the Myelin Repair Foundation. I am sure living with MS is a huge challenge, but I think adding Chia to your diet is a great idea. Now I need to go and browse your photographs, they look gorgeous!
Courtney
June 9, 2010Nancy, Thanks for your kind words! I have been following your blog from the beginning. My husband and I want to live in Mexico someday so you have been my hero! Our daughter is 14 so we still have a few years to plan but I am always inspired by your journey and your blogging. Thanks again, Courtney