Chia seeds for hydration

[hockeymom 2]

Someone was telling me about Chia seeds the other day. (Yes, they're the Chia pet seeds, lol)

Beyond a whole host of nutritional benefits, they soak up nine times their volume in water and athletes have reported it has helped them stay hydrated longer... leading to improved endurance.

Has anyone used this? I just bought some for MissD and we'll be testing it out this week.

Here's a snip:

If you try missing a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leaving it for approximately 30 minutes or so, when you return the glass will appear to contain not seeds or water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Research believe this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.

In addition to the obvious benefits for diabetics, this slowing in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar offers the ability for creating endurance. Carbohydrates are the fuel for energy in our bodies. Prolonging their conversion into sugar stabilizes metabolic changes, diminishing the surges of highs and lows creating a longer duration in their fueling effects.

One of the exceptional qualities of the Chia seed is its hydrophilic properties, having the ability to absorb more than 12 times its weigh in water. Its ability to hold on to water offers the ability to prolong hydration. Fluids and electrolytes provide the environment that supports the life of all the body’s cells. Their concentration and composition are regulated to remain as constant as possible. With Chia seeds, you retain moisture, regulate, more efficiently, the bodies absorption of nutrients and body fluids. Because there is a greater efficiency in the utilization of body fluids, the electrolyte balance is maintained.

Example: Fluid and electrolyte imbalances occur when large amounts of fluids are lost resulting from vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, or more commonly from sweating? The loss of extracellular fluid occurs in these conditions. Intercellular fluid then shifts out of cells to compensate, causing abnormal distribution of electrolytes across cell membranes resulting in cellular malfunction. So. Retaining and efficiently utilizing body fluids maintains the integrity of extracellular fluids, protecting intercellular fluid balance. The results of which ensure normal electrolyte dispersion across cell membranes (electrolyte balance), maintaining fluid balances, resulting in normal cellular function.

Chia seeds are the definitive hydrophilic colloid for the 21 century diet. Hydrophilic colloids, (a watery, gelatinous, glue-like substance) form the underlying elements of all living cells. They posses the property of readily taking up and giving off the substances essential to cell life. The precipitation of the hydrophilic colloids cause cell death.

http://www.living-foods.com/articles/chia.html

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

I've always wanted a Mr. T Chia Pet.

[DarkStar50 679]

JR, she vanishes for like two years, and then comes back to talk about chia seeds? What am I missing here?

Just kidding, HM. I'll try anything at my age. Let me know if they work.

[Darkbyte 0]

Intersting... sounds like a good weightloss tool too!

Let us know how it goes!

[hockeymom 2]

JR, want me to ship you some seeds for your head?

If it does what they say it does, it should be amazing DS.

[fatwabbit 93]

I wouldnt mind trying any, especialy since I sweat a lot...

but getting stuff like that in Australia is going to be a pain in the a$$....

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

JR, want me to ship you some seeds for your head?

If it does what they say it does, it should be amazing DS.

I dunno...last time you sent me something it got held up in Customs :P

[Darkbyte 0]

I wouldnt mind trying any, especialy since I sweat a lot...

but getting stuff like that in Australia is going to be a pain in the a$$....

Surprisingly not: chia4life (check out the chia fudge at the bottom of the order page)

This is the cheapest I have found so far (they have free shipping deal at the moment). There is also this one: the chia co it doesnt say what the difference between the black and white seeds are.

[hockeymom 2]

I gather people have had good results with Chia for weight loss, but I haven't read much about that aspect of it. It would hydrate in your stomach, leaving you feeling fuller, longer.

Apparently there is no significant difference between the black and white chia seeds.

http://www.naturalnews.com/023068.html

Most of the sports related research I've come across has been with bike racers and endurance events. Like this story that is repeated all over the internet:

http://www.sopan3100.com/Sopan3100/Nutriti...127A7D8727.html

For hockey, the idea is to put 1 to 2 tablespoons of chia seeds into a bottle of water... let it sit for half an hour to soak up water, and then drink it in the hour before your game. MissD tested it in a bottle of water tonight, and it really is fascinating watching how these tiny seeds "bulk up" and become almost gel-like. It is tasteless, but has a funny texture and you can still feel the seeds... sort of like raspberry jam.

She's on the ice tomorrow night, so we'll see if it makes any difference.

I dunno...last time you sent me something it got held up in Customs

See? You have to come pick it up yourself, lol I wonder what chia seeds would be like in really old, apparently quite decent rum?

[Darkbyte 0]

Im guessing they are similar to sago/tapioca in feeling and flavour?

[McDougalfaschnitzer 32]

I've always wanted a Mr. T Chia Pet.

I have one mint in box.

[in da crease 0]

Or you could drink water. It works for me and seems to work for most athletes.

I can just imagine the look I would get if I asked my kids to eat chia seeds before games Followed by the question, "And how is this supposed me make me a better hockey player?"

[Darkbyte 0]

Just curious to see how the seeds are going.