Chia Seeds

Now that I've discovered how to use my DVR I've been recording the Dr. Oz show everyday.

A while back he was talking about how amazing chia seeds are so I've added them to my diet. I've been on a super anti-cancer diet for a few months now and have lost 15 lbs. too.

I found this on http://www.sharecare.com/

What an amazing seed with an amazingly long history of delivering on taste, health and performance for humans dating back to the Aztec Warriors! Chia seeds are truly nature's most powerful and delicious grain and besides really enjoying their taste, I found them to be a critical source of nutrients and energy during my day to day routine in the clinic or hospital or while out on missions as an Army physician. The seeds are perfect mixed into a smoothie, yogurt, on cereal or part of a bar. When I am in a hurry, I also mix several tablespoons of the seeds together in water, let sit for 5 minutes, add a touch of agave nectar or honey, and then grab a spoon and dig in! I call this “chia-meal” and it replaces my over the counter fiber supplements and I love it. The seeds are jam-packed with an array of disease-fighting and health-promoting nutrients. Chia is loaded with protein, very high in fiber, antioxidant content (they contain similar antioxidant power as blueberries!), and lots of water molecules which helps you stay hydrated when needing to perform your best and aids in digestion. They are also very high in an Omega-3 called ALA. Sources rich in ALA have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. Note: Omega-3 ALA does not appear as powerful however as the other two dietary Omega-3s, EPA and DHA). To me, the Omega-3 ALA in chia though is just a small bonus on top of a ton of other nutrients. Chia seeds are also high in important minerals including calcium, phosphorous, and manganese that further help improve bone mineral density. There is something else interesting about chia seeds --the seeds dissolve inside your stomach and intestine to form a smooth, soft, gel-like substance that helps your body digest carbohydrates more efficiently before the glucose enters your bloodstream. This means a slower blood glucose and insulin rise, leading to better glucose stability and energy. This makes chia a “low glycemic index” food. Studies show that diabetics, who especially need to control their blood sugar, really benefit from adding chia to their diet. The unique combination of nutrients, great taste, energy profile, and physical properties of the chia seed make this a true (and proven) winner for endurance, bone mass, heart health, gastrointestinal health, and general wellness. As the Aztecs Warrior believed, chia seeds are part of my essential "nutritional armor" for internal cellular health and performance--Daniel T. Johnston.

Last night I put some in my blueberry smoothie but it made the smoothie too thick so I think I'll start adding them to oatmeal. I was able to find them at Whole Foods, raw and organic.

If you don't want to eat them you can always use them for this cute pug costume. Rosie would not be happy.