Hey guys, Dr. Axe here, doctor of natural medicine and founder of draxe.com.
Today, I want to talk about chia seeds and the many health benefits of chia seeds and
how you can use them in your daily life.
Now, chia seeds were used by Mayan and Incan warriors.
They were called warrior food.
Now today, oftentimes runners call them runners' food.
But again, before that they were called warriors food.
And the reason is chia seeds are so high in nutrients, specifically they're high in omega-3
fats, they're high in B vitamins and they're also high in certain minerals like selenium.
So we know that chia seeds have great benefits.
And if you're looking for a boost of energy, I've got a great recipe I'll share with you
at the end in using chia seeds.
But again, the reason why chia is so good and is actually known as warriors' food, the
warriors would carry a little pouch on their belt and they would say one tablespoon of
chia is worth a day's energy.
So when they were in battle having to fight they would use it.
And this is proven today with medical studies.
In fact, a recent study was published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning and they
found that consuming chia seeds was as energizing as consuming Gatorade or a popular sports
drink.
So we know that chia is great for energy levels because it contains a small amount of complex
carbohydrates, but lots of healthy fat and protein.
In fact, chia seeds are your highest plant-based source of protein along with another superfood
called spirulina.
Now, chia seeds are beneficial for a few other reasons.
Number one, omega-3 fats.
We know omega-3 fats reduce inflammation so that can help fight heart disease, it can
help fight joint pain or arthritis, anything that's inflammatory, any inflammatory condition,
chia seeds can help with that.
Chia seeds are also high in fiber so they can support fat loss.
We know fiber helps keeps you full longer, it helps cleanse the colon.
And chia seeds have a unique type of fiber called mucilaginous fiber which is why it
sort of gels up.
And so you can use chia seeds to detox the colon and so a great form of fiber.
I put several tablespoons in a superfood smoothie.
Also, it's a great natural mineral supplement.
It's high in minerals, it's high in vitamins, using it that way as well.
Now, some of my favorite recipes for chia.
One is to do a chia seed super shake.
I'll put in one cup of blueberries, two to three tablespoons of chia and go and do a
superfood smoothie.
Also, chia seed pudding.
Because chia has mucilaginous properties, it will sort of get that gel-like texture,
which makes it great to add into a pudding.
So you can make a vanilla pudding or a chocolate pudding using some natural protein powder.
You can even search on my site or search Dr. Axe chia seed pudding or chia pudding and
I've got recipes there on my website, you can check out as well.
And a few other thoughts here with chia.
I love using it as an energy boosting snack.
In fact, I'll mix chia with coconut oil and a drop of peppermint oil.
And that's something that I'll do if I'm going out and training for a triathlon.
So again, chia seeds, coconut oil, peppermint oil, it is the ultimate energy boosting snack.
And one other unique thing about chia seeds is they can be used to replace eggs.
So if you have a recipe and you're wanting to go egg-free, because eggs are so often
connected to food allergies and food sensitivities, do one tablespoon of chia to three tablespoons
of water, mix that and it can replace an egg in any recipe.
Hey guys, if you want to learn more about the benefits of chia seeds, check out my website
draxe.com, that's D-R-A-X-E.com.
Also, make sure to subscribe here to the YouTube channel.
I've got some great natural remedies and super foods, coming up with some more information
on those.
It's been me, Dr. Axe, talking about the many benefits of chia seeds.