| When you think of chia seeds and barefoot | | | | the comfort of your home. You can consume |
| running, can you think of what they have in | | | | chia seeds raw, bake with them, or stir them into |
| common? | | | | soups and stews. There's pretty much nothing |
| To begin with, both of these possess health | | | | you can't add chia to. Its neutral, mild flavor |
| benefits that were acknowledged and understood | | | | means you won't even notice it most of the time. |
| by indigenous cultures in ancient times and in the | | | | Why is chia so amazing for runners and other |
| present day. | | | | athletes? Here are just a few of the chia seeds' |
| This becomes even more interesting when we | | | | health benefits: |
| learn that the two may be connected. Barefoot | | | | - Omega 3 Chia contains the greatest levels of |
| runners just about everywhere count on chia | | | | omega 3 of any plant-based food. Omega 3 is |
| seeds' health benefits to offer them the energy, | | | | especially vital for a strong heart, and can reduce |
| stamina, and vitality they require. | | | | cholesterol. Chia seeds yield 25-30% extractable |
| Author and barefoot runner Christopher McDougall | | | | oil, mainly?-linolenic acid (ALA). |
| deals with this topic in his book Born to Run. | | | | - Dietary Fiber Chia comprises 36% fiber. Taking |
| According to him, members of the Tarahumara | | | | soluble fiber can decrease cholesterol in the body. |
| tribe enhance their aptitude to run by taking chia | | | | The dietary fiber in chia is mostly soluble with high |
| frequently. | | | | molecular weight. |
| Did you ever think to yourself, "I'm certain I'd be | | | | - Antioxidants Chia contains high levels of |
| a terrific runner if I only had the perfect shoes?" | | | | antioxidants. A diet high in antioxidants helps to |
| It's hard to keep thinking that when you find out | | | | neutralise free radicals in the body, which supports |
| about the Tarahumara. | | | | heart health. |
| The home of the Tarahumara tribe is Copper | | | | - Protein Chia seeds contain about 20% protein. |
| Canyons, a rural area deep in the Mexican state | | | | - Gluten-Free Chia seeds don't have gluten, so |
| of Chihuahua. These tribal people are able to run | | | | they're a great choice for men, women and |
| remarkable distances without showing indications | | | | children with gluten allergies. |
| of low energy or overtiredness. | | | | Chia has many more health benefits, but these |
| And they achieve this without training agendas, | | | | are the main ones. You can appreciate why |
| running coaches, elaborate running shoes, heart | | | | runners and other athletes may wish to ingest |
| monitors, or any of the gadgets that runners in | | | | chia! In ancient times, Mayans and Aztecs could |
| industrialized countries assume they need. | | | | actually run lengthy distances through mountainous |
| Thanks to McDougall's book, the Tarahumara | | | | terrain with only a few spoonfuls of chia as |
| have gained celebrity as super-runners. | | | | subsistence. |
| But their running superpowers are not fully inborn, | | | | Try consuming chia next time you go for a run or |
| nor are they out of range for ordinary people like | | | | do any exercise. You will be astounded at the |
| me and you. The Tarahumara consume chia, a | | | | amount of stamina and vitality you have! |
| fantastic superfood that you can easily enjoy in | | | | |