| We’ve all seen those funny little clay animals that | | | | neutral taste. It is very easily digested and |
| sprout hair when watered. They are covered in chia | | | | assimilated. It is soothing to the stomach and |
| seed. They have been around for years and have | | | | esophagus and it has healing properties. Like slippery |
| become an American tradition. Who would have | | | | elm, it is rich in mucilloid soluble fiber, thus allowing it |
| thought that those same tiny seeds would now be | | | | to quell the burning pain of acid reflux in the |
| considered an important source of nutrition? | | | | esophagus and stomach. In ancient times the Indians |
| Chia comes from the Aztec word, “chian”, | | | | used it to prevent infection and accelerate healing |
| which means oily. It is high in omega-3 fatty acid; in | | | | time, by packing the seed into open wounds. |
| fact it has more than any other grain – even | | | | Chia gel can be incorporated into many other foods |
| more than flax seed. It has the perfect omega-3 to | | | | without diluting flavor, while displacing fat and calories. |
| omega-6 ratio. This unsaturated fatty acid is essential | | | | It works brilliantly to enhance flavor while replacing |
| for most successful functions of the body. | | | | fat. For these reasons, chia gel should be an |
| Since 2,500 B.C. chia seed have been used as human | | | | important, if not vital, part of the acid reflux diet. |
| food. Known as “the running food”, these | | | | For breakfast it can be mixed with hot oatmeal, |
| seeds were cultivated by the ancient Mayans and | | | | pancakes, and biscuits dough. It’s delicious mixed |
| Aztecs. We are just now beginning to discover the | | | | into scrambled eggs. Ground chia seed can be used in |
| importance of this grain. | | | | baking bread or as a simple topping on many dishes. |
| Chia is loaded with calcium, boron and other | | | | Use chia seed gel in yogurt, jams and jellies. Its great |
| necessary minerals; antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. It | | | | mixed into polenta, grits, smoothies and milk shakes. |
| is a complete source of protein, with all the amino | | | | Try it in you favorite blended health mix drink. |
| acids in perfect balance. It is indeed the perfect food. | | | | Chia gel can be added to soups, salad dressings and |
| The ancient Aztecs valued chia to the extent that it | | | | even the stuffing that you put in a chicken. The |
| was traded as currency. In those times anything | | | | possibilities are practically endless. Try introducing ¼ |
| which could increase endurance and control the | | | | cup of chia gel into your favorite potato salad recipe, |
| appetite, was considered invaluable. It enabled them | | | | reducing the mayonnaise, in like. It can be used in |
| to sustain themselves on long hunting expeditions and | | | | many baking recipes as a substitution for fat. |
| war raids. | | | | Put it the kid’s food. They will never know the |
| Chia seed has the ability to absorb approximately 12 | | | | difference, as it actually enhances the flavor of food. |
| times its weight in liquid. Because of this factor, it is a | | | | They will love it! Feed it to your dogs. I put it in my |
| dieter’s dream come true. If made into what is | | | | fourteen year old Jack Russell Terrier’s food |
| called “chia gel”, it becomes a nutritious drink | | | | every day. Not only does he have better digestion |
| that fills you up, thus decreasing the appetite. To | | | | and energy, he has better bowel movements. By the |
| make this gel, simply add 1/3 cup chia seed to two | | | | way, the F.D.A considers chia a food with an |
| cups of water. Stir well, breaking up any clumps and | | | | established history of safe consumption. |
| store in the refrigerator for twelve hours before | | | | Chia gel slows the release of carbohydrates and their |
| drinking. You can store it there for at least two | | | | conversion to glucose (blood sugar). So, besides |
| weeks. I make mine in a glass bottle with a tight | | | | controlling acid reflux, loosing weight, increasing |
| fitting lid. | | | | endurance, chia has the added benefit of reducing |
| Drinking a third cup of chia gel at the onset of acid | | | | blood sugar and hypertension. Because of its high |
| reflux can eliminate it for many people. Try drinking | | | | unsaturated fatty acid content, it can even help with |
| that much three times a day. It might prevent acid | | | | prostate problems. I do not think anyone could go |
| reflux from occurring at all. I know of people who | | | | wrong by making chia seed a part of their every day |
| swallow a teaspoon of raw seeds if they experience | | | | life. Because of its incredible health-giving aspects, |
| acid reflux. The seeds absorb the acid just as they | | | | chia seed is the perfect food for everyone. It is |
| do water. Of course you wouldn’t want to | | | | certainly a Godsend for the acid reflux sufferer, in so |
| ingest too much raw seed at a time unless you have | | | | many ways. |
| a tremendous amount of acid… it might absorb | | | | So try chia seed now. You have nothing to loose but |
| your stomach. It is best to be conservative and find | | | | a little weight. You could improve your digestion and |
| out what is effective for you. | | | | overall health. It’s certainly worth a try. |
| Chia has other beneficial qualities, as well. It has a | | | | |