When we take a look at the health tips and ideas that our blog visitors continue to find the most popular and interesting; it seems that Dr. Oz and his discussion about Chia Seeds is one of the top ten.

So if you sincerely want to improve your digestive system and your carbohydrate metabolism with the use of Chia Seeds in 2010; then we have found you a very good source of fresh Chia Seeds from Mexico through a wonderful Raw Foods website partner.

The business which is supplying these Chia Seeds has a good description of the owner’s personal experience with gastro-intestinal problems like indigestion, acid reflux, and IBS or irritable bowels. Emphasis is given, and rightly so, to the hydration of the Chia Seeds by two methods.

One method is to soak the Chia Seeds in water for fifteen minutes or longer to make a gel and then use that get with your foods and beverages to complement the texture and the nutritional value with Chia Seeds that have completely been hydrated and saturated with water. The gel can be stored in the refrigerator for a short period of time, but I think it is far better to make the gel fresh every day or two at the most. Once you begin to hydrate any seed, the seed begins to release the nutrients and the energy held within it more quickly. This gel is also in a form that is simpler to combine with other liquids and foods than the raw seed. The other distinct advantage is that you will not become dehydrated due to the seed drawing sufficient water and moisture from the soaking process, rather than your internal body fluids.

The second method is to take the seed alone with a small amount of water and let the Chia Seed absorb some of the excess acid in the stomach if that is the case for any particular individual. If your stomach is strong and you have no ulcers or acid reflux; then this method is not advisable. But still, if your tummy does give you problems with too much acid; then certainly be sure you begin with enough water to coat and float the seeds – perhaps as much as six to eight ounces when you take the Chia Seeds. Then drink more water after ten to fifteen minutes to ensure that you are providing enough fluid to saturate the seeds. If you do not accomplish this, then it can lead to issues as the seed continues to be digested, especially dehydration and a harder stool. You want to give the Chia Seeds a chance to provide fiber in the colon, and it takes water or other fluids to do this properly under most circumstances for a good portion of the population.

People tend to be dehydrated in general, so taking plenty of water with your Chia Seeds is a good solution. You can watch to see how much water it takes when you are sprouting your Chia Seeds to get them soft enough to sprout; and at least that amount of water is necessary when consuming the seeds directly or as a gel. Even when you bake with them or blend them in your smoothies; it is important that they have moisture to hydrate in order to release their nutrients into your system.

Chia Seeds are known for providing superior energy for long term demands upon the system. For endurance, whether you are walking in the park or running in a marathon or getting through the day without fatigue; the carbohydrates and proteins and other nutrients in Chias Seeds will more than compensate for getting the maximum amount of energy out of such tiny seeds. The slow release of carbs also makes these Seeds a prized tool in the battle of the bulge when you need to feel satiated and not hungry to avoid the urge to nibble, graze, gobble, or inhale more foods than will keep you or get you to your ideal weight. If Chia Seeds got tribal members safely across long distances; then Chia Seeds will certainly get you through a long day.

There is a good recipe for Chia Milk on this website that I think you will find to be satisfying to your palette and your nutritional needs. If you want more information about Chia Seeds and the sources for seed, flour, and all other things chia; then let us know with your wonderful comments. We love to source great Whole Foods and healthy items for all of you.

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 at 5:59 pm and is filed under Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.