I've been putting my wine energies into the health food arena recently, and have discovered a staple of the Aztecs. There's an old coot in Arizona who has written an excellent book on the use of chia seeds by the Aztecs and their culture in desert areas like Arizona and New Mexico. I thought he was a nut, at first, but after talking to him by phone, I've actually tried them, and enjoy them as a useful addition to my diet. Here's a brief description by Abby Chou:
http://www.examiner.com/x-11548-Colorad ... -superfood
Ever heard of chia? Perhaps only in reference to “chia pets”– those terracotta figurines that grow green fur when covered with chia seeds. The same seeds used to grow chia pets can also be part of a healthy diet.
Chia is an edible seed from the desert plant Salvia hispanica. Chia seeds have amazing nutritional value. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., their use as an endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs, who subsisted mainly on the chia seed during their conquests. Until recently, chia was grown by only a few small farms, but commercial production has resumed in Latin America.
After mixing a spoonful of chia seeds into a glass of water and leaving it for several minutes, you will observe the formation of a gelatinous liquid. This gel formation is due to the soluble fiber in chia. The same reaction takes place in the stomach when food containing soluble fiber is eaten. The gel in the stomach creates a barrier between carbohydrates and digestive enzymes, which slows the conversion of carbs to sugar. This is especially helpful for people with diabetes.
Another unique quality of the chia seed is its incredibly high omega-3 content. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Omega-3s also help reduce symptoms of hypertension, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and rheumatoid problems.
Chia provides fiber as well as calcium, magnesium, manganese, niacin, and zinc. Unlike flaxseed, chia seeds can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid and don’t require grinding.
Chia seeds can be sprinkled on cereal, mixed into yogurt or salads, or ground and mixed into flour when making baked goods. You can also make your own "chia fresca," a drink popular in Mexico; simply stir a teaspoon or two of seeds into a glass of water, then add a citrus juice and honey to taste.
Chia seeds can be found in most health food stores and online for around ten dollars a pound—not a bad price for a time-tested superfood.
