Chia Seeds Falafel
what? you've never heard about chia seeds?
i have never heard about chia seeds. up until 3 weeks ago and since then chia seeds seem to have conquered the world - or at least the one around me. they are in everybody's mouth! everywhere i turn i hear something about chia seed: how super healthy they are and how everybody should integrate them into their daily diet. i did some research and here is what i have found. chia seeds come from a plant in the mint family and have their origin in Mexico and Guatemala. history tells us that these little seeds were an important food crop for the Aztecs.
the most important facts about chia seeds are:
- they are an energy booster
- they are high in protein
- they are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
- they are an excellent source of fiber (which lowers cholesterol)
- they are rich in antioxidants (which protect your body from aging and cancer)
- they are rich in minerals (which help maintaining a healthy weight)
- they are gluten-free
- they can regulate blood sugar
at the same time there have been cases of people having had problems after eating chia seeds. when added to water these little seeds form a hydrogel capsule by absorbing up to 27 times their weight in water. this has led a few people to an esophageal obstruction.
this is what you need to keep in mind when eating this superfood:
1. eat one or two tablespoons of chia seeds a day (not more than that!)
2. soak chia seeds into water for a couple of hours before eating
Ciao!
The Lebanese Dinner