Did you know that the healthy chia seeds are the fruits of a Mexican sage plant?
In this article, we'll share some interesting facts about the history and origins of Mexican chia and take you to Mexico and Central America.
Where Tarahumara Indians drink the chia drink Chia fresca during their incredible long-distance runs through the mountains and jungle.
Where Aztecs sacrificed the precious miracle seeds to their gods and used them as a remedy. And at the end, we'll even give you some delicious recipe ideas with chia seeds for your healthy breakfast .
Chia seeds as a superfood of the Tarahumara Indians
The Tarahumara Indians have been aware of chia seeds as a superfood for centuries. These people are native to the mountainous southwest of the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
They have always had to walk incredible distances in the harsh landscape of high mountains and deep canyons. They had to traverse these arduous routes through mountains and jungles both in search of food and for visits to neighboring settlements.
Traditionally, they meet this challenge in a sporty way and also organize races and ritual 24-hour runs. Today, the Tarahumara Indians are famous worldwide as long-distance runners.
Chia fresca or Chia Iskiate – the ideal drink for runners
How did the Tarahumara become mountain ultramarathoners? According to legend, they drank a beverage made from chia seeds: Chia fresca, or in the Tarahumara language: Chia Iskiate.
The preparation consists of chia seeds soaked in water and the juice of fresh citrus fruits. It is noteworthy that the nutrients in chia seeds are ideally composed for long physical exertion.
Chia fresca or Chia Iskiate - the refreshing power drink for weight loss
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp chia seeds
- 1.25 litres of water
- 4 pieces of limes or lemons (the juice of it)
- 4 tsp or as needed: agave syrup
- ice cubes and mint leaves or cucumber slices as needed
Preparation
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Soak the chia seeds in part of the water (about 200 ml) for 30 minutes.
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Squeeze your lemons or limes and mix the juice and agave syrup (as needed) with the soaked chia seeds.
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Add the remaining water.
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You can then add ice cubes, mint leaves, or cucumber slices. Pour your chia seed drink into a glass of your choice and enjoy!
In addition, the water stored by the swollen chia seeds is absorbed more slowly by the athlete's body, so chia fresca can help prevent dehydration.
The Tarahumara recognized the value of this superfood long ago.
Aztec and Chia Seeds
The Aztecs were already aware of the numerous effects of chia seeds and used their knowledge in agricultural practices to achieve large harvests of the valuable seeds.
They used the seeds as food for their hunters and fighters when they faced arduous and protracted adventures.
At the same time, the Aztecs also knew about the positive side effects of chia seeds and used the seeds of the chia plant for medicinal purposes in treating wounds and injuries, as well as digestive problems. Chia seeds were also healthy for Aztec women.
Where does the name "Chia" come from?
The word "chia" means "power" or "strength". It comes from the ancient Central American language Nahuatl. This language has been spoken for centuries in the former territory of the Aztecs – it is the language of the ancient Aztecs.
They named the precious seeds "chia seeds" because they believed it gave them the power and strength to become the most powerful culture in the region.
When were the Miracle Seeds discovered?
Chia seeds had been known in their country of origin for thousands of years and were highly valued for their nutritional value and effects until they were brought to Europe by Spanish conquerors.
The Swedish naturalist Linné named the chia plant Salvia hispanica, meaning Spanish sage, because he found the plant in Spain.
It was not until 2009 that the miracle seeds were made known to the general public among athletes through the book "Born To Run" by Christopher McDougall.
Since then, their rapid ascent has continued with fitness and health enthusiasts.
Chia seeds as an offering to gods
Not only were chia seeds healthy, but they were also so important to the Aztecs that they were a part of their religious life.
To ensure abundant harvests and the survival of their civilization, they implored their gods and sacrificed their most precious goods to them: chia seeds were of course also part of these offerings.
From pressed and ground chia seeds, the Aztecs made an oil with which they immortalized significant motifs as murals.
Using chia seeds today
Today, chia seeds are valued for their excellent nutrient composition and are even referred to as a superfood. Chia seeds are an undisputed superfood for the following reasons:
- very high protein content
- high content of unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- rich in slow-digesting carbohydrates
- lots of regulatory fiber
- important B vitamins and trace elements such as iron, calcium, and potassium.
And now we'll give you some more ideas and recipes with chia seeds so you can see how easy it is to use these little miracle seeds for yourself.
For a healthy breakfast, use chia seeds as a filling source of energy in your porridge , cereal , or granola . No stress in the morning – in the time-saving overnight oats , they are a particularly protein-rich ingredient.
In the delicious Chia Seed Smoothie Bowl, chia seeds provide creaminess. Since they have the ability to bind water, they are an important component in the preparation of the delicious chia seed pudding.
Chia seed pudding with raspberries
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 pack of vanilla sugar
- 100 ml milk or plant-based drink
- Fresh Raspberries
Preparation
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Pour the chia seeds and vanilla sugar into milk or a plant-based drink of your choice.
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Puree fresh raspberries and mix them wholly or partially with the pudding.
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Leave it to swell in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
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Garnish as desired with berries and chia seeds or coconut flakes.
Tip
Nutritional values
And maybe Chia Iskiate will give you the energy to set a new personal record on the long haul.
