Chia Seeds: “More than an answer to ceramic statue baldness”

Chia Seeds: “More than an answer to ceramic statue baldness” by Sammy Springer, BS

AS SEEN ON TV Yes, we are talking about 1980’s Chia Pets

History • Indigenous to southern and central Mexico and Guatemala • Utilized by Aztecs as currency • Nomadic cultures were prevalent and physical endurance was critical to survival • Popularized by novel Born to Run

Ways to serve Whole • Mild, nutty Flavor • Low digestibility Ground • Tasteless - Don’t have to worry about palatability • Increased digestibility Gel • Can be used to replace 25% of oil or eggs in cooked food products (e.g. cake) • Reduction in calories/grams of fat

Fiber • 30% of its weight • Secretes gel when wet • Meant to protect seed • Theorized to coat GI tract • Yields conversion of CHO absorption • Benefits endurance training and weight loss

Hydration • Absorbs 12 times its body weight in water • Extends hydration and electrolyte balance • Stay fuller longer • Beneficial for endurance training and weight loss

Protein • 19-23% protein by weight • Provides all essential amino acids • Protein digestibility best when ground (79.8%) • Good for post-exercise recovery

Omega-3 • Diets high in Omega-3 correlated with decreased disease • 3-10 times more unsaturated oil • Helps fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K)

Ricardo Ayerza Study 1 Study 2 Blood plasma serum Decreased triglycerides Increased HDL • Thousands of chicken • Analyzed light and dark meat • 0%, 10%, 20% chia seeds • Decrease in saturated fat prevalence, the ratios of saturated:polyunsaturated fatty acid and omega-6:omega-3 • Body weight decreased

Other • Antioxidants • Calcium • Boron • Vitamins • Minerals

Patent for Chia Drink • Current drinks dense in sugar carbohydrate cause fluctuation in blood sugar • Undesirable for athletes • Constant blood glucose levels achieve optimal endurance • Type II diabetes beverage that is rich in protein and fatty acids that minimizes blood sugar fluctuations

Chia Drink Loadingvs. Carb Loading • Endurance Exercise (90 min+) on treadmill (10k) • Crossover • 100% Gatorade • 50% Gatorade and 50% chia seeds • No significant difference in run time • Viable option in storing muscle glycogen

Ray Rice Agrees The NFL's Top-Secret Seed Baltimore Running Back Ray Rice Puts His Faith in Chia Seeds, a Training Tool of the Ancient Aztecs Claims to be a “fish and chicken guy,” but it replenishes his energy and helps keep his digestive system humming. Ravens players: "I was not aware that Ray Rice eats Chia Pets” How to Be Like Ray Rice: You can also blend them into a smoothie or sprinkle them on salad, breakfast cereal, or your bacon cheeseburger.

“One word of caution: Do NOT eat these after dinner! I made that mistake (because they are so good and taste like cookie dough…). I had trouble falling asleep because I had so much energy. Not jittery, just I-could-get-so-much-done-right-now energy.” Recipe: http://wellnessmama.com/5475/chia-seed-energy-bars/

Questions ????????

Chia Seeds: “More than an answer to ceramic statue baldness”