Chia seed is an oily annual herbaceous plant widely cultivated in countries such as Mexico and Colombia. Chia seeds contain 25-40% oil. 60% of the mentioned oil is omega-3, 20% is omega-6 fatty acids. Chia seeds are an alternative source of omega-3 for individuals who cannot consume fish (the omega-3 ratio is even higher than salmon). At the same time, Chia has 1/3 the pulp. It is rich in magnesium and phenolic compounds and is a good source of antioxidants. Because it contains calcium and potassium in its structure, it balances high blood sugar. Chia seeds also have high protein content. It is in the range of about 15-20%. Carbohydrates are in the range of 26-40%. The biggest reason for these proportional changes in chia is the environment that affects the plant. Dietary fiber ratio in chia plant is 34%.
Omega-3/omega-6 balance for fats is one of the most important data defining cancer risk.
History of Chia Seed (Chia Seed)
Chia BC It was consumed by the Aztecs in the 3500s. It is a flowering plant from the mint family that grows in the valley of Mexico. The Aztecs consumed the seeds of the plant either by extracting it or in its raw form. Chia means strength and is a desert herb. Like the Aztecs, it was believed to provide strength in the yeasts and was consumed. However, after a while, it was banned in the civilizations of the period due to religious rituals. One of the most basic characteristics of chia seeds is that the average nutritional components are of high value to be affirmed. The fact that the seed is functional enough to be included in the “superfood” group shows the concentrated development of the plant into the seed. Many different chia seeds, most from this period, are still consumed today. It is a known fact that chia was used even as a currency in history.
How is Chia Oil Obtained?
Chia oil is commonly obtained by dissolving it using solvents such as hexane and ethanol. Apart from this, cold press and supercritical fluid extraction methods are also used.
What Are the Benefits and Harms of Chia Seeds?
Consumption for health recommends unsaturated fatty acids instead of trans or saturated fatty acids. Chia is a food rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Chia has shown very positive results against cardiovascular diseases, immunity and diabetes. Chia is also effective against cancer due to its high antioxidant content. Chia also reduces sugar spikes in humans when used in breads. It has been observed in experiments that consuming 35 g of chia per day reduces total cholesterol by 13%. With 1 handful of chia, we get 18% of the daily amount of calcium that should be consumed, which prevents bone loss. It can be consumed in the treatment of constipation as well as diarrhea. It is also a good anti-aging agent.
It has been determined that chia has a negative effect on the course of the disease in Alzheimer’s patients and therefore should be consumed at a limited level in patients.
How to Consume Chia Seed?
Although it is generally consumed raw, it can be used as a spice in soups, dishes and sauces. It is most commonly consumed with yogurt, oatmeal or salad in our country. Recently, it has become a remarkable product in desserts both in terms of appearance and nutritional value. I can say that it goes very well with hot milk. It also gave a nice crunch in my experiments with meat. Chia tea is also very popular lately, if you haven’t tried it, don’t leave it until tomorrow. Those who want to try can find the recipe here.
Who Cannot Consume Chia Seeds?
Chia is not recommended for blood pressure patients as it can be blood thinner. May increase the risk of prostate cancer. Chia is not recommended for people with allergies. There is not enough data on pregnancy, so it is recommended that pregnant women do not consume too much. It is among the products that Alzheimer’s patients should not consume much.
Are Chia Seeds Weakening?
When chia is consumed, it creates a feeling of satiety. Because chia absorbs water, it swells during feeding and gives a feeling of satiety. It is thought that this will help us to prevent weight gain as it will reduce the desire to eat. However, studies (76 people given 25g of chia per day for 12 weeks) have unfortunately shown no significant change in weight value.
Chia Seed Flour
Chia tohumunun değirmende öğütülmesi sonucu chia unu elde edilir.Taş değirmenlerde denemelerim sonucunda hafif yanıksı bir koku aldım. Ürünün yüzeyde fazla kalmasını engellemek adına yatay yerine dikey değirmenler kullanılmasının faydalı olabileceğini düşünüyorum. Çekiçli değirmende 0,50 mm elek çapında tam buğday ununa alternatif güzel bir un elde ettik. Chia unu beyaz unla aynı ölçekte tariflerde kullanılabilir. Chia unu genellikle yağsız chia tohumlarından yapılır.
Chia Seed Diet
The Chia (or “Çiya” or “Çia”) diet is among the recipes that have been searched recently. Let’s add a comment to this diet. After adding 1 apple, 1 orange and 1 lemon to approximately 1 liter of water, we add some honey and chia seeds to obtain a delicious drink that also has the function of removing daily edema. This recipe can also be made with alternative detox ingredients ginger, mint, watermelon or cucumber.
