| We've all seen those funny little clay animals that | | | | assimilated. It is soothing to the stomach and |
| sprout hair when watered. They are covered in | | | | esophagus and it has healing properties. Like |
| chia seed. They have been around for years and | | | | slippery elm, it is rich in mucilloid soluble fiber, thus |
| have become an American tradition. Who would | | | | allowing it to quell the burning pain of acid reflux in |
| have thought that those same tiny seeds would | | | | the esophagus and stomach. In ancient times the |
| now be considered an important source of | | | | Indians used it to prevent infection and accelerate |
| nutrition? | | | | healing time, by packing the seed into open |
| Chia comes from the Aztec word, "chian", which | | | | wounds. |
| means oily. It is high in omega-3 fatty acid; in fact | | | | Chia gel can be incorporated into many other |
| it has more than any other grain - even more | | | | foods without diluting flavor, while displacing fat |
| than flax seed. It has the perfect omega-3 to | | | | and calories. It works brilliantly to enhance flavor |
| omega-6 ratio. This unsaturated fatty acid is | | | | while replacing fat. For these reasons, chia gel |
| essential for most successful functions of the | | | | should be an important, if not vital, part of the |
| body. | | | | acid reflux diet. |
| Since 2,500 B.C. chia seed have been used as | | | | For breakfast it can be mixed with hot oatmeal, |
| human food. Known as "the running food", these | | | | pancakes, and biscuits dough. It's delicious mixed |
| seeds were cultivated by the ancient Mayans and | | | | into scrambled eggs. Ground chia seed can be |
| Aztecs. We are just now beginning to discover | | | | used in baking bread or as a simple topping on |
| the importance of this grain. | | | | many dishes. Use chia seed gel in yogurt, jams |
| Chia is loaded with calcium, boron and other | | | | and jellies. Its great mixed into polenta, grits, |
| necessary minerals; antioxidants, vitamins and | | | | smoothies and milk shakes. Try it in you favorite |
| fiber. It is a complete source of protein, with all | | | | blended health mix drink. |
| the amino acids in perfect balance. It is indeed the | | | | Chia gel can be added to soups, salad dressings |
| perfect food. The ancient Aztecs valued chia to | | | | and even the stuffing that you put in a chicken. |
| the extent that it was traded as currency. In | | | | The possibilities are practically endless. Try |
| those times anything which could increase | | | | introducing ¼ cup of chia gel into your |
| endurance and control the appetite, was | | | | favorite potato salad recipe, reducing the |
| considered invaluable. It enabled them to sustain | | | | mayonnaise, in like. It can be used in many baking |
| themselves on long hunting expeditions and war | | | | recipes as a substitution for fat. |
| raids. | | | | Put it the kid's food. They will never know the |
| Chia seed has the ability to absorb approximately | | | | difference, as it actually enhances the flavor of |
| 12 times its weight in liquid. Because of this factor, | | | | food. They will love it! Feed it to your dogs. I put |
| it is a dieter's dream come true. If made into | | | | it in my fourteen year old Jack Russell Terrier's |
| what is called "chia gel", it becomes a nutritious | | | | food every day. Not only does he have better |
| drink that fills you up, thus decreasing the | | | | digestion and energy, he has better bowel |
| appetite. To make this gel, simply add 1/3 cup | | | | movements. By the way, the F.D.A considers chia |
| chia seed to two cups of water. Stir well, breaking | | | | a food with an established history of safe |
| up any clumps and store in the refrigerator for | | | | consumption. |
| twelve hours before drinking. You can store it | | | | Chia gel slows the release of carbohydrates and |
| there for at least two weeks. I make mine in a | | | | their conversion to glucose (blood sugar). So, |
| glass bottle with a tight fitting lid. | | | | besides controlling acid reflux, loosing weight, |
| Drinking a third cup of chia gel at the onset of | | | | increasing endurance, chia has the added benefit |
| acid reflux can eliminate it for many people. Try | | | | of reducing blood sugar and hypertension. Because |
| drinking that much three times a day. It might | | | | of its high unsaturated fatty acid content, it can |
| prevent acid reflux from occurring at all. I know | | | | even help with prostate problems. I do not think |
| of people who swallow a teaspoon of raw seeds | | | | anyone could go wrong by making chia seed a |
| if they experience acid reflux. The seeds absorb | | | | part of their every day life. Because of its |
| the acid just as they do water. Of course you | | | | incredible health-giving aspects, chia seed is the |
| wouldn't want to ingest too much raw seed at a | | | | perfect food for everyone. It is certainly a |
| time unless you have a tremendous amount of | | | | Godsend for the acid reflux sufferer, in so many |
| acid… it might absorb your stomach. It is | | | | ways. |
| best to be conservative and find out what is | | | | So try chia seed now. You have nothing to loose |
| effective for you. | | | | but a little weight. You could improve your |
| Chia has other beneficial qualities, as well. It has a | | | | digestion and overall health. It's certainly worth a |
| neutral taste. It is very easily digested and | | | | try. |