Chia Seeds And The Beneficial Properties For Runners

I became familiar with chia seeds while reading the book Born to Run and recently have been amazed at the nutritional and beneficial properties these tiny little seeds possess. For centuries chia seeds were known to be an endurance super food and apparently they are part of the Tarahumara running tribe’s staple diet.  Now, I’ve heard many legends about certain natural foods possessing an amazing ability to make you run faster and longer, but when you do a little research it’s evident chia seeds have the stats to back up this claim. Amazingly, in the U.S., a nation with an abysmal health record, this product is packaged and sold as the hair on an animal figurine versus a health product that must be part of every human’s diet.

Check out just some of the facts which clearly translate into why these seeds could be hugely beneficial for anyone running many miles per week and training for marathons…

• One of the highest known plant sources of essential fatty acids and are more rich in omega-3 fatty acids than flax seeds.
• Gel forming soluble fiber creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. Prolonging the conversion of carbs into sugar can create an endurance effect through stabilized blood glucose levels.
• Hydrophillic property absorbs more than 12 times its weight in water. This ability to retain water creates a prolonged hydration effect which also maintains your electrolyte balance.
• Balanced blend of protein (16%), carbohydrates (44%), fats (31%) and fiber (38%).
• Twice the protein of any other seed or grain, five times the calcium of milk, two times the amount of potassium in bananas, three times the antioxidant strength of blueberries and three times more iron than spinach.

If you have any questions send us an email at [email protected] and make sure to check out our Nutrition Consultations with Alicia Shay.

-Brian