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Chia Seeds are tiny black and white seeds that used to be a staple food in Aztec and Mayan times. They are now experiencing a resurgence in popularity due to their wonderful health benefits.

They have:

2x the amount of protein of any grains 3x the amount of antioxidants of blueberries 5x more calcium than milk 2x the amount of potassium in a banana 3x the iron of spinach

Chia seeds are also loaded with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and have trace amounts of boron, which is an essential mineral to help transfer calcium to the bones.

How To Add Chia Seeds to Your Diet

Knowing all the wonderful nutrients chia seeds provide is important, but many people are more concerned with how to incorporate them into their diet. It is far simpler than most people realize. The seeds have a very subtle taste which means that you can add them absolutely anything that you eat or drink. They will enhance the nutrients, but they will not alter the flavor.

Sprinkle

If you are having a salad you can sprinkle them on top. They can be added to yogurt as well. You can sprinkle them on fish, on steak, in veggies, soup, really anything you want. If you eat it or drink it you can add chia seeds to it.

Drink

You can add chia seeds to a glass or bottle of water and drink them. As a matter of fact you can add them to any beverage you choose: coffee, ice tea, orange juice... anything. If you are adding them to a liquid it is best to add them to the drink, stir them up and let them sit just for a minute or two so that the seeds have the opportunity to soak in the liquid.

Soak

One of the most common ways to eat chia is to soak the seeds. They absorb large amounts of liquid very quickly, usually within 10 minutes. You can make basic chia gel by adding 1/3 cup of seeds to 2 cups of water. Stir well so that there are no clumps and then refridgerate it in a jar with a lid and eat a spoonful whenever you want.

Chia seeds are definitely a great addition to your diet. With a few spoonfuls a day added to the foods you are already eating, you will soon start to notice the great health benefits they have to offer.

Lisa A. Bishop is the author of "Fun & Fabulous Grain-Free Breakfast Recipes: How To Enjoy Your Old Favorites in a Brand New Way" which can be found as an e-book at http://grainfreerecipes.com/enjoy-breakfast/ or in paperback at Amazon.

Lisa has a site devoted exclusively to Grain Free and Gluten Free Living at http://www.grainfreerecipes.com There you can find more grain free tips, news and recipes. You can also get the Free Special Report: Grain & Gluten Free Secrets!which reveals 5 fabulous Grain Free and Gluten Free Foods.