Chia Seeds for a Healthy Pregnancy

I have posted about Chia Seeds before because I am crazy about them and I think they are the best thing for any person who wants to start eating clean & healthy! For those who are pregnant heres why you should eat for you and your baby!

Great Source of Omega-3

Every pregnant women knows how essential Omega-3 fatty acids are for a baby’s brain development. Most people choose to meet their daily requirement by consuming salmon or fish oil supplements, however, the mercury content in fish tends to make most pregnant women worried. Chia is a great alternative! For such a tiny seed, chia is quite high in omega-3 fatty acids. Typically nuts and seeds with a high fat content have a short shelf life before they turn rancid, but chia seeds are so rich in antioxidants they can be kept in storage for up to four years without deterioration.

Replenish Lost Nutrients

Pregnancy is very demanding on your body. Chia seeds pack a powerful antioxidant punch to help replace some of those lost nutrients. They’re high in essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, iron and niacin.

During the final three months of pregnancy, it’s important to get adequate calcium for proper skeletal development. Chia seeds contain almost five times the amount of calcium as milk. An added bonus — they also contain boron, another critical mineral for bone health.

Iron is essential to develop the red blood cells that transport oxygen through the body. During pregnancy, increased iron intake is necessary to accommodate the mother’s increased blood volume and for the development of the baby’s blood.

Slows Sugar Absorption

High blood sugar makes for a risky pregnancy. It’s been linked to complications such as high birth weight, increase chance of C-section deliveries and preeclampsia. When consumed, chia seeds create a gelatin-like substance in the stomach. This slows digestion and keeps blood sugar levels stable. Great for those who suffer from hypoglycaemia as a quick and easy snack that will balance out blood sugar levels.

 Energy Booster

In addition to slowing sugar absorption, chia also slows down the process of converting sugars and carbohydrates from the seeds into energy. This slow-burning process, in combination with the high protein content, leads to a sustained energy boost.

 Incorporating Chia in Your Diet

Chia is quite versatile. The seeds can be eaten raw, soaked in water to form a gel or sprouted like alfalfa sprouts. When eaten raw they have a nutlike flavor and are a great addition to your morning quinoa porridge, or tossed on a salad. They can absorb up to ten times their weight in water so they are a great way to thicken up soups or a smoothie. I prefer mine in the gel form mixed with orange juice as a refreshing drink. However you choose to incorporate them in your diet, it’s best to do it gradually. Chia is packed with fiber so start out with a small amount and be sure to drink plenty of water. The recommended daily serving is 1 – 2 tablespoons of dry seeds, start out slow and give your body time to adjust to the increased fiber intake. I recommend not consuming more then 3 teaspons of chia seeds per day and make sure to choose an organic brand.

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