Chia seeds have been featured this week on CNBC, where they wonder whether chia is the next big superfood. Chia isn’t mainstream yet, but has a growing following amongst the nutritionist and health community. Thanks to Christopher McDougall’s book Born to Run, which describes the use of chia in a drink called iskiate, long distance runners and other athletes are beginning to extol the virtues of this amazing seed. According to CNBC:

The next superfood though is a name you might know: Chia seeds. Yep, the very same seeds that you spread over your kitchen pet are now valued as a superfood…its filled with fiber, potassium and antioxidants, and it’s good for athletes of endurance sports because it holds water well.

Here’s the video segment:

Mentions of chia in the mainstream press should bump demand. It’s a versatile seed that food manufacturers might consider using in some of their products to leverage this growing awareness amongst consumers. If you’re a manufacturer looking into chia, we can help you with your application and supply both standard, and certified organic chia. Contact us to arrange for a sample. Consumers can purchase chia both online and in a growing number of traditional retail outlets.

Acid reflux, the main cause of heartburn and acid indigestion, is the abnormal backward flow of stomach acid to the esophagus. The typical symptom is a burning sensation in the chest, just behind the breastbone. The blog Diabetes War claims that chia is an effective remedy against acid reflux.

As we’ve noted before, chia seeds have some rather amazing qualities, among them being high in omega-3, antioxidants, protein and calcium. Chia seeds can absorb about 12 times their weight in liquid. By adding water to chia seeds, a gel is formed around the seeds and it becomes a nutritious, filling drink, which helps decrease appetite. Iskiate is a beverage that leverages this effect, and is well known by long distance runners. According to Diabetes War:

Drinking a third cup of chia gel at the onset of acid reflux can eliminate it for many people. Try drinking that much three times a day. It might prevent acid reflux from occurring at all. I know of people who swallow a teaspoon of raw seeds if they experience acid reflux. The seeds absorb the acid just as they do water…it is rich in mucilloid soluble fiber, thus allowing it to quell the burning pain of acid reflux in the esophagus and stomach.

Have you ever tried using chia as a remedy for heartburn? How else have you used chia in your diet? Let us know in the comments!

photo credit: Jinx!

In his bestselling book Born To Run – A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen, Christopher McDougall describes iskiate as the “Red Bull” beverage for the Tarahumara tribe of Mexico. The Tarahumara are reknown for their long distance running ability. McDougall describes iskiate:

It’s brewed up by dissolving chia seeds in water with a little sugar and a squirt of lime. In terms of nutritional content, a tablespoon of chia is like a smoothie made from salmon, spinach, and human growth hormone. As tiny as those seeds are, they’re superpacked with omega-3s, omega-6s, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, fiber, and antioxidents…you couldn’t do much better than chia, at least if you were interested in building muscle, lowering cholesterol, and reducing your risk of heart disease…

Source: Born To Run.

Iskiate is refreshing and said to be a great source of replenishment after any kind of exertion. Thanks in large part to the book, long distance runners and other athletes are now using iskiate to rejuvenate after a workout. I recommend reading Born To Run, and I also recommend trying out iskiate! It’s quite easy to prepare at home. Check out how simple it is in the video below:

Chia seeds can be purchased retail at many places, including Whole Foods in the United States and the Bulk Barn in Canada. For larger quantities of Chia, contact Ingredient Hotline and we’d be happy to help you with your wholesale needs.

For more on Born To Run, you can check out the official fan site. You may also like to read more about chia and iskiate:

• Ingredient Hotline’s chia product page
• Chia Power
• rockNroots (a runners blog)