Chia plant (Salvia Hispanica) – allergy and intolerance

Chia-Pflanze (Salvia Hispanica)

Chia seeds are uncomplicated oilseeds that were already valued by the Incas as energy-giving grains. Their numerous nutrients support the body in many ways to maintain its health.

Interesting facts about chia seeds

Chia seeds are known as energy-giving seeds, which were already valued by the Incas and were even considered a staple food there. The chia plant belongs to the sage family and originally comes from Mexico.

The small, black-grey chia seeds themselves belong to the oilseeds. They can be used in many ways and adapt to the taste of various foods. Their own taste is neutral and only has a slightly nutty note.

Chia seeds are available in this country all year round because they can be stored very well. In their growing areas, the seeds are sown in spring, the sage plants then bear flowers in September and the seeds can be harvested in autumn.

importance to health

Chia seeds have a long line of high-quality ingredients. They provide the body with plenty of vitamins and minerals .

They have a wide range of effects: They help to keep blood sugar levels constant and provide the brain , bones , muscles and eyes with important nutrients . Chia seeds also help keep cells healthy as they are rich in antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals.

Chia seeds can also help a lot with weight loss. This is due to their ability to absorb about six times their own weight in water. Swollen chia seeds produce excellent, long-lasting satiety. Athletes also like to use this effect for long-term care during sport.

Due to the large volume, chia seeds can help to get a dormant digestive system going again and cleanse the intestines .

ingredients and nutritional values

Chia seeds contain a whole range of high-quality ingredients. Although the fat content is very high, a large part of the fat contained is healthy omega 3 . The fiber content of chia seeds is also very high.

Furthermore, the small power packs contain numerous vitamins and minerals. The vitamins include vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin H ( biotin ). Magnesium , calcium , iron , zinc , potassium and phosphorus are particularly rich in minerals.

intolerances

Although chia seeds are generally well tolerated, they can still cause intolerance in some people. Since the chia plant belongs to the sage family, people who do not tolerate sage or similar herbs such as rosemary are particularly likely to have an allergic reaction to chia.

Also, people who have low blood pressure (such as the elderly) should avoid consuming chia seeds as the seeds can lower blood pressure. The same is true for people who are about to have an operation, because chia can thin the blood .

Shopping and kitchen tips

If you want to buy chia seeds, you usually have to dig deep into your wallet. However, the very high yield justifies the price. Organic markets in particular carry the small, black seeds, but also large supermarkets and even various discounters have discovered the potential of chia seeds for themselves and have them in their range at least temporarily. The price of seeds in discounters is often only a third of that of organic products.

Properly stored, chia seeds can last up to four years. Important for this long shelf life is the long storage, which should take place in a dark, cool and dry place. As a rule, chia seeds are sold in plastic bags that are difficult to reseal airtight. Therefore, they should be transferred to a Tupperware or a glass with a screw cap. In this way, the small seeds are optimally protected from air and moisture.

Chia seeds can be used in many ways. Most often they are used, among other things, thanks to their ability to significantly increase their volume. It is best to soak them in liquid overnight.

preparation tips

Chia seeds are real all-rounders in the kitchen. The power grains are not only used in morning muesli, but also as a basis for puddings, as a vegan egg substitute in cakes, as an ingredient in bread or in smoothies.

A basic recipe for the basis of many chia dishes, for example for smoothies or puddings, is the so-called chia gel. To do this, chia seeds are mixed with six times the amount of water, milk or plant milk and left to swell overnight. The resulting mass has a gel-like consistency and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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