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TOPIC:
"Ancient Grains Series
- Chia"
Chia is the last in this series on Ancient Grains and most of you have likely heard this word in association with the chia pet novelties. However, the many health-promoting attributes of this ancient grain now brings it out of the novelty category and into its important place amongst the world's newly rediscovered highly nutritious ancient grains.
Black in color and virtually flavorless, chia is in the mint family and grows wild in the southwest US and Mexico. It has been called "Indian Running Food" because hunters carried it with them for nourishment and energy on long treks.
Chia is high in protein (about 20%) and also contains an extremely high essential Omega 3 fatty acid percentage, even superior to flaxseed at about 30%.
Chia has no cholesterol and unlike fish and flax oil, can be stored for years without deterioration in nutritional value, odor or
flavor.
Many people today are still using this ancient grain in the preparation of a drink called "chia fresca", consumed in Mexico and Central America as well as Arizona and California.
There is scientific evidence to prove that chia seeds were first used as food as early as 2600 BC in many different applications, such as grain, mixed with other seeds, ground into flour, used as medicine, pressed for oil, used as a beverage, and even used as a base for face and body paints.
Aztec rulers even received chia seeds as an annual tribute from conquered nations and these prized seeds were then offered to the gods during religious ceremonies.
The Aztecs made great strides in agriculture and their four main crops, beans, maize, amaranth and chia meet today's dietary requirements without all the allergies many of us suffer from because of our almost total dependence on wheat.
Did you know that botanists estimate that there are more than 80,000 edible plants species growing on our earth today, but that our modern agricultural
practices focuses on just 150. In other words, 90% of our consumption worldwide is provided by just 20 crops?
Don't you think it's time to expand our limited horizons a little bit? Who knows what healthy benefits lie hidden in those other 79,850 edible plants?
Much of today's renewed interest in the ancient grains, such as amaranth, quinoa, kamut, teff and chia has been piqued by the romance and history of these grains.
So, if it's the romance of these grains that spurs you to try them, that's great...just try them and you'll soon come to appreciate not just their romantic past, but also their present nutritional superiority.
I hope you've enjoyed this simple health
"secret", compliments of SolvingTheHealthPuzzle.com
where you'll learn simple "secrets" every week about how to live a healthier
and more toxic-free life.
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