Chia Seed Nutritional Powerhouse Detox Food

     Chia seeds are a great way to detox your body.  Full of vitamins and  antioxidants, these amazing seeds deliver nutrients directly to the cells.  Their gelling properties allow them to hold water aiding hydration.  Chia seeds swell to nine times their original size when added to liquid. And yes, chia was the seed used to grow chia pets.  Unfortunately, no one knew the potency of the seeds or they would have been eating them instead of growing them for the novelty.  The Aztecs carried a pouch of chia seeds when running as their sole nutritional support.  They provided them with stamina and endurance to travel for many miles.  There's so many great things to say about chia, where does one begin? Antioxidants, vitamins, strength, fiber, energy, detox, etc., and the list goes on:

Essential fatty acids reduce high blood pressure for cardiovascular health.

Stabilize blood sugar levels for diabetics.

Anti-inflammatory properties reduce pain caused by inflammation for arthritics.

Boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass.

Essential fatty acids improve brain function through efficient nerve transmission.

Regular consumption improves stamina and endurance.

Rid the digestive tract of toxins by collecting them and carrying them away.

Enhance hydration and retain electrolytes present in body fluids.

High protein for healthy hair, skin, and nails.

     There's nothing magical about chia seeds when it comes to weight loss.  Quite simply, the bulk of this very low calorie food gives you a feeling of fullness, while also helping to regulate blood sugar levels avoiding food cravings caused by sugar spikes highs and lows.
   
     Since they're really quite tasteless, chia seeds can be added to just about anything you eat.  Smoothies, cereals, salsas, yogurt, salads, soups, and dips.  Add them to muffins, pancakes, breads and cakes for extra nutrition.   They can even replace oils or butter in baked goods.  Just mix one tablespoon of chia with 9 tablespoons of water.  Stir to prevent clumping and wait 15 minutes for it to gel.  Measure the same amount you would normally have used of butter or oil and substitute the chia gel in your recipe.    

--Chia Seed Facts:

                                           2.5 times more protein than kidney beans  
                               3 times the antioxidant strength of blueberries
                               3 times more iron than spinach
                               6 times more calcium than milk
                               7 times more vitamin C than oranges
                               8 times more omega-3 than salmon
                              10 times more fiber than rice
                              15 times more magnesium than broccoli

     

                      And in case you're still more interested in watching chia seed grow rather that eating it:

Goji Berry Nutritional Powerhouse

     Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are one of the most nutritionally dense fruits known on the planet and exhibit amazing properties.  Also known as wolfberries, they are native to the Himalayan mountains of Tibet and Mongolia, but now grown in many other countries as well. Used for both medicinal purposes as well as a popular culinary ingredient, Goji berries have been consumed for thousands of years in Tibet and China.  They are wonderful way to flush toxins from the body and improve your overall health without a lot of effort.  With a score of over 25,000 on the ORAC scale and heavy duty anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, just a small amount of goji berries pack a powerful punch of health benefits.  Gojis are unique among other fruits because not only do they have the highest concentration of protein of any fruit, they also contain all of the essential amino acids.  They are packed with vitamin C, contain more carotenoids than any other food, have 21 trace minerals, and are very high in fiber and iron.  It's no wonder they are considered a nutritional powerhouse:

          High in antioxidants to remove cancer causing free radicals in the blood.

          Lowers bad cholesterol levels and protects the heart from disease.

          Protects eyesight with vitamin A, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene.

          Reduces insomnia and improves sleep patterns.

          Relieves stress and promotes a sense of calm and well-being.

          Consuming foods high in antioxidants can slow the aging process.

          Raises energy levels with B complex vitamins which convert food into energy.

          Strengthens the immune system.

          Detoxes liver and kidneys.

          Normalizes blood pressure.

          Regulates blood sugar levels.

          Slows hair loss and graying.




     Goji berries contain unique Lycium barbarum polysaccharides which assist immune cells in communicating and functioning.  They provide a good fuel source for supporting healthy intestinal bacteria. These polysaccharides also act as a detoxification aid in the removal of metabolic waste products such as lactic acid accumulated during muscle exertion.  The Goji berry is used medicinally in Asia for inflammatory disorders such as asthma, allergies, chronic pain and cancer.

     With a score of 25,300 on the ORAC scale per 100 grams, you can see that it would only take 20 grams or about a heaping tablespoon of goji berries to reach the suggested consumption of 5000 units per day for maximum benefit.  On the other hand, you would have to eat 22 apples to reach the same daily dose of 5000 units.  It is still important to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables daily because they all supply different benefits.

     In Western countries goji berries are most commonly available in dried or powder form or juice.  The whole dried goji berry can be soaked for a couple of hours and added to smoothies and the liquid can be consumed as a delicious juice.  The dried or soaked whole berries can be added to trail mix, cereal, oatmeal,  salads, and baked goods.   The powder can be added to smoothies, sprinkled over cooked or cold cereals, salads or even added to soups.  Goji powder is also delicious in tea.  The whole dried berries are also a great snack right out of the bag.  It is very important when purchasing goji berries to look for the organic label as some imports in the past have been found to have high concentrations of pesticides.

                                 

    Goji berries are a member of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family of plants.  Any reactions such as nausea or rash are usually attributed to detoxing.   If you have sensitivities to nightshade plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplants or have allergies to pollen you may want to  discuss with your allergist whether or not to try goji berries.

Note:  Those taking medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) should avoid goji berries or consult with their physician before consuming them as they may interact with some medications.  They should also not be used by pregnant or lactating mothers as they can be a uterine stimulant.