CHIA SEEDS ARE THE EDIBLE SEEDS OF A FLOWERING PLANT KNOWN AS SALVIA HISPANICA WHICH BELONGS TO THE MINT FAMILY. THEY ARE OVAL AND GREY WITH BLACK AND WHITE SPOTS, HAVING A DIAMETER OF AROUND 2 MILLIMETRES. THE SEEDS ARE HYGROSCOPIC, ABSORBING UP TO 12 TIMES THEIR WEIGHT IN LIQUID WHEN SOAKED IN WATER. CHIA SEEDS ARE PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS AND MINERALS THAT CAN HAVE HUGE POSITIVE IMPACTS ON YOUR HEALTH, SO IN THIS VIDEO, WE ARE GONNA TALK ABOUT SIX HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS.
The term “superfood” is not legally regulated. Superfoods, however, are often referred to as foods whose ingredients are considered particularly beneficial to health – for example, due to their high content of vitamins or minerals and fibre. Only 8 percent of respondents associate health risks with the consumption of superfoods.
“Superfood products are often not sufficiently investigated to be able to evaluate them from a health perspective,” says BfR President Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel. “A balanced and varied diet remains the best basis for staying healthy. This can be supported by the consumption of imported superfoods just as by the consumption of local fruits and vegetables.”
Link to the Consumer Monitor special on superfoods: https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/364/bfr-consumer-monitor-2020-special-superfoods.pdf
Link to the superfoods A-Z index: https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/a-z_index/superfoods-259079.html
In Germany, 70 percent of the respondents have already heard of the term “superfood“. About half see high health benefits in these foods. The main benefits cited are the content of vitamins, a generally positive effect on the body and a strengthening of the immune system. One third of respondents have superfoods on their menu at least once a week. However, almost 40 percent state that they do not consume any superfoods at all.
Compared to local foods, the majority tend to label imported foods, such as chia seeds, goji berries and quinoa, as superfoods. Yet, local foods often provide comparable health benefits. For example, blackcurrants present an alternative to goji berries due to their high content of vitamin C just as linseed, with its high content of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, shares similarities with the nutritional profile of chia seeds.
About two out of five respondents consider the health benefits of superfoods to be scientifically proven. Just as many assume that superfood products are tested for health safety before they are available in Germany.
This particularly applies to superfoods that were rarely used for consumption in the European Union before 1997 and are, therefore, considered to be novel foods. They have to go through strict approval procedures, including an official health safety assessment. Thus far, this has applied to chia seeds, for example.
However, some superfood products, such as certain food supplements, consist of extracts or preparations of plant-based superfoods, which may contain potentially harmful substances in concentrated form. The lack of standards in extraction procedures or partly insufficient data from studies can make the health risk assessment of these products difficult. For this reason, they cannot be compared to the plant-based superfoods from which they are derived.
Only 8 percent of respondents believe that superfoods can pose health risks. Even though the positive effect of these foods for the health usually takes centre stage, certain ingredients and contaminants can be harmful to health if consumed excessively. In some cases, superfoods can also trigger intolerances or allergic reactions.
More detailed information on the possible health risks of superfoods can be found at: https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/343/superfoods-super-gut.pdf (in German)
Chia seeds
As many of you will know I’m rather partial to what are called superfoods. While, it seems, there is no formal definition of Superfood the terms is, typically, used to describe foodstuffs which have a high nutrient value. Therefore offering greater health benefits than the run of the mill stuff we often eat.
In fact superfoods are still a bone of contention in our house. My wife claims I secretly grated broccoli, which she hates, on her food while she was pregnant with our first child.
For more background on superfoods please have a look at https://patienttalk.org/?p=276 . It includes links to pro and anti superfoods discussions.
But to return to the point of the blog. Last week my wife returned home brandishing a copy of a magazine which gave a recipe for a dish which included something called chia seeds. Which, according to the article, were superfoods? “What on earth are Chia seeds?” I exclaimed. To which I received the traditional “search me” look.
So I decided it was my duty, as a healthcare blogger, to find out more about the health benefits of chia seeds. Indeed in America the chia craze has been going for a few years but it seems that Europe is about to catch up.
Chia is a member of the mint family which grows in Latin America. Apparently it was a staple of Aztec and Mayan cooking. However it is the seeds themselves which are of particular interest. Chia seeds contain:-
a) More Omega 3 fatty acids than salmon.
b) A great source of antioxidants. You can read up on antioxidants here https://patienttalk.org/?p=252
c) Very high in dietary fibre
d) A source of calcium and iron and a number of B vitamins
e) May lower cholesterol and help prevent heart disease
Chai seeds are often used by athletes and a table spoon of the seeds has been described as the equivalent of a smoothie of salmon and spinach.
So how do you take it? Well it is a common addition to smoothies and health drinks. Have a look at https://patienttalk.org/?p=638 for more info.
The downside of chai seeds is the cost. But if they take off we can only hope it will come down.
In fact today is going to be the first time I’ve tried chai seeds. I’ll be using this recipe for BLACK BEAN SOUP WITH SUPER CHIA GARNISH for Stylist Magazine which can be found here http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/recipes/black-bean-soup-with-super-chia-garnish. Once we have tried it I’ll give you an update. Given that I love black beans I’m sure I’ll be a fan.
If you have used chia seeds it would be great if you can tell us how you found them using the comments box. If you have any recipes then please share them as well
Many thanks in advance.