Chia is familiar to most of us as a seed used for the novelty of the Chia Pet™, those clay animals with sprouted Chia seeds covering their bodies. But do you know that these seeds have tremendous nutritional value and medicinal properties? For centuries this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the south west and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the south west would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march. Indians running form the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.

If you mix a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leave it for approximately 30 minutes or so, the glass will appear to contain not seeds or water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Research shows this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.

In addition to the obvious benefits for diabetics, this slowing in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar offers the ability to enhance physical endurance.

Carbohydrates are the fuel for energy in our bodies. Prolonging their conversion into sugar stabilizes metabolic changes, diminishing the surges of highs and lows creating a longer duration in their fueling effects.

One of the exceptional qualities of the Chia seed is its hydrophilic properties—the ability to absorb more than 12 times its weigh in water. Its ability to hold on to water prolongs hydration. Fluids and electrolytes provide the environment that supports the life of all the body’s cells. Their concentration and composition are regulated to remain as constant as possible. With Chia seeds, you retain moisture, and regulate more efficiently, the body’s absorption of nutrients and body fluids. Because there is a greater efficiency in the utilization of body fluids, the electrolyte balance is maintained.

For example: Fluid and electrolyte imbalances occur when large amounts of fluids are lost as a result of vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, or more commonly, from sweating? The loss of extracellular fluid occurs in these conditions. Intercellular fluid then shifts out of cells to compensate, causing abnormal distribution of electrolytes across cell membranes, resulting in cellular malfunction. So, retaining and efficiently utilizing body fluids maintains the integrity of extracellular fluids, protecting intercellular fluid balance. This ensures normal electrolyte dispersion across cell membranes (electrolyte balance) and maintains fluid balances, resulting in normal cellular function.

Now to the actual use of chia seed: I put it in my green smoothie each morning, but there are so many more uses. Here are a couple recipes to get us started:

Chia Rice Salad

3 cups cooked brown rice and Basmati rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 cloves garlic (diced)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2-1 teaspoon rosemary (fresh or dried)
1/2-1 teaspoon oregano (fresh or dried)
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup chia gel (see chia gel recipe)
1 zucchini (julienned or thinly sliced)
1 tomato (chopped)
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Place rice in a large bowl. Combine oil, lemon, garlic, salt, herbs in jar, and shake well to mix. Pour over rice and lightly toss. Cover and let cool. Stir in vegetables and sprinkle on cheese. Serve.