The little seed that could

If you have come across Chris McDougall’s ‘Born to Run’ then you might’ve already been tempted to try out the energy mix he often mentions in his book.

It is the drink that has nothing but simple ingredients and features the tiny seeds known as chia. In the Mexican desert people stir a tablespoon or so in a glass of lemon water, stir, let it sit for a few minutes and then savour the gelatinous drink.

If the word gelatinous makes you squirm, resist. It is for the best that chia seeds grow up to ten times their size when soaked. By doing that prior to being consumed, they slow down digestion and help in providing your body with slowly and efficiently released energy that will power your run or any other high activity level you engage in.

Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have established a good reputation. Many labs have now looked at the seed composition. From soluble fiber (hence the absorbent power,) omega-3 fatty acids, protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and a high concentration of antioxidants, chia seeds are powerful in content despite their small size.

It is no wonder then to see them top the list of healthy foods for both dedicated athletes and weekend warriors.

Chia seeds were deemed useful in maintaining a balanced serum lipid profile and even prevent type 2 diabetes possibly due to their ability to soak up water and thus make for a slower digestive process. Their high content of antioxidants makes them a darling in today’s stressful and polluted world.

More human clinical studies are needed, some say, in order to validate all the health claims related to chia seeds. It may be so, if you need to see scientific facts before you believe something can be of help, but then again, hundreds of years of anecdotal evidence cannot be wrong either.

Come to think of it, you can give it a try and see how you feel.

How can you find, store and use chia seeds?

Look for it in health food stores and store it in the fridge if possible. Anything that contains healthy oils (such as omega-3 fatty acids) should be kept cold to prevent oxidation.

Use in drinks that you consume prior to your run or any other high level activity (chia seeds in lemon water, perhaps adding honey to taste,) use it to make pudding (a simple search ‘chia pudding’ will give you plenty of ideas,) or sprinkle it on your cereal.

For an incredibly powerful energy mix, soak a few dates and blend with of almond or coconut milk and cocoa, stirring chia seeds at the end (two tablespoons/person.) Refrigerate for at least an hour. Feel free to add extras such as walnuts or any other kind of nuts and/or fruit slices. Enjoy!