The Vegetarian Tree: The Fruit is Good!: Chia Seeds

Mormon Moms for Vegetarian, Vegan and Raw Cooking!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Chia Seeds

I recently fell in love with Chia Seeds. Do you want to know why?

Just 1 ounce of Chia Seeds contains 30% of the daily value of Manganese. Manganese is is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Manganese also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis.

That same ounce of Chia seeds has 265 mg of Phosphorus and 177 mg of Calcium!

Phosphorus is a nonmetallic chemical element essential to metabolize protein, calcium, and glucose. It is needed for bone and tooth formation (85% of phosphorus is found in the skeletal system), cell growth, heart muscle contraction, and kidney function. Plus phosphorus helps the body to utilize vitamins, assists other body functions to convert food into energy, and maintains the blood's pH.

1 ounce of Chia Seeds also have 10.6 g of dietary fiber and 4 g of protein.

Did you know that 1 ounce of Chia Seeds also contain 4915 mg of Omega-3's? Chia Seeds contain more Omega-3's than Salmon!!! Omega-3 essential fatty acids are important for healthy nervous systems, cholesterol levels, brain function and can reduce inflammation.

ALL OF THAT (and more) in just one little ounce (a little less than 3 TBLS)

Chia Seeds also keep you hydrated and help you feel full longer because they absorb 10 times their weight in water. When they get wet they form something like a gel. And you can actually substitute Chia gel for 1/3 of the fat (butter, oil..etc) in your recipes.

Chia seeds slow down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrates into simple sugars, and studies indicate they can control blood sugar. This leads scientists to believe chia seeds may have great benefits for diabetics.

They are also easier to digest than flax seeds and don't need to be ground up.

*Dear Beloved Readers of The Vegetarian Tree,

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LOVE - Amy & Ronda*

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Doctrine and Covenants 89:10-16

"I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—Every herb (plant) in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving. Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly; And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth. And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger. All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground." (emphasis added)

John A. Widstoe

"It was shown in the history of plant science that plants contain all the necessary food substances: proteins, fats, starches and the carbohydrates, minerals...water {and} vitamins. The Great builder of the earth provided well for the physical needs of His children. Countless varieties of edible plants, vegetables, cereals, fruits and nuts are yielded by Mother Nature for man's daily food. If one uses meat it must be used sparingly and in winter or famine only...They who wish to be well and gain the promised reward stated in the Word of Wisdom must obey all of the law, not just part of it as suits their whim or their appetite, or their notion of its meaning." (The Word of Wisdom, a Modern Interpretation, 1950)

Doctrine and Covenants 59:16-21

"...the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for rainment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion. And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (emphasis added)

Ezra Taft Benson

"There is no question that the health of the body affects the spirit, or the Lord would never have revealed the Word of Wisdom...Disease, fever and unexpected deaths are some of the consequences directly related to disobedience...To a great extent, we are physically what we eat. Most of us are acquainted with some of the prohibitions of the Word of Wisdom...but what need additional emphasis are the positive aspects - the need for vegetables, fruits, and grain, particularly wheat. We need a generation of people who eat in a healthier manner." (Ensign, September 1988, p. 5)

Ezra Taft Benson