SUPERFOOD FIND! CHIA SEEDS - The New Flaxseed - Dr. Janet Brill

SUPERFOOD FIND! CHIA SEEDS – The New Flaxseed

What’s hot in nutrition these days? Chia seeds, the same stuff that grows hair on those cute little “Chia Pet” pottery figurines, is the new edible super food. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, and revered by the Aztecs as an energy power food, this small seed is derived from the Salvia hispanica plant.

What’s so hot about this seed?

It has a truly remarkable nutrient profile that rivals flaxseeds in terms of its omega-3 ALA and fiber content. The seeds are literally bursting with fiber and protein (a complete protein at that): two nutrients that are very helpful for weight management.

Here’s the breakdown of this nutritional wonder grain:

1 ounce (28 g) of dried chia seeds contains:

137 calories;

9 grams fat (5 g ALA);

0 chol;

5 mg sodium;

11 g dietary fiber;

4 grams protein and

18% of your DV for calcium.

Available in most health food stores and some supermarkets—sprinkle some on your morning bowl of oatmeal for a protein and fiber boost.

I urge all of you to embrace this ancient seed to enhance your daily nutrition and fitness!

WHOLE WHEAT CHIA PUMPKIN PANCAKES

Power up your breakfast with these seasonally delicious pumpkin pie pancakes. While normal pancakes may not pack much of a nutritional punch, these pancakes are made with whole grain flour, chia seeds, pumpkin and steel cut oats—filled with fiber, healthy fats and nutritional goodness!

Ingredients:

Makes 10 pancakes