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<strong>September</strong> 7, <strong>2017</strong><br />
13<br />
CHIA SEEDS<br />
By Jackie Talero-Rueda,<br />
<strong>The</strong> Crunchy Mom<br />
Chia means “strength” in the Mayan language<br />
<strong>and</strong> runners <strong>and</strong> warriors would use them as fuel<br />
while running long distances or during battle. Chia<br />
seeds have made a comeback <strong>and</strong> very popular amongst the health<br />
community. Chia seeds are a nutrient dense superfood. <strong>The</strong>y are rich<br />
in fiber, proteins, omega-3 fats, beneficial antioxidants, vitamins <strong>and</strong><br />
minerals. Minerals such as phosphorous, manganese, calcium, sodium<br />
<strong>and</strong> potassium. To provide a comparison, 3 tablespoons of chia has, 15x<br />
more magnesium than broccoli, 6x more calcium than whole milk, 30%<br />
more antioxidants than blueberries, 2x more potassium than bananas.<br />
Three tablespoons also contains 9 grams of protein (more than 1 egg)<br />
<strong>and</strong> 15 grams of dietary fiber. Now that you know what a nutritional<br />
punch these seeds have it’s time to learn what health benefits they<br />
have.<br />
• Digestion: Chia seeds are high in dietary fiber <strong>and</strong> help promote<br />
bowel regularity. <strong>The</strong> rich fiber content helps people feel more full<br />
quicker because it absorbs a considerable amount of water <strong>and</strong><br />
immediately exp<strong>and</strong>s in the stomach when eaten.<br />
• Energy <strong>and</strong> Weight management: Clinical studies have proven that<br />
chia curbs hunger <strong>and</strong> suppresses appetite, which can also lead to<br />
weight loss. Chia seeds promote energy, increase metabolism <strong>and</strong> help<br />
shrink visceral (belly) fat. Since they are also rich in protein this makes<br />
them an excellent food for athletes. Instead of going for a sugary sports<br />
drink take some chia seeds in water instead! Always drink a lot of water<br />
when consuming raw chia seeds.<br />
• Diabetes <strong>and</strong> heart: Studies from University of Litoral in Argentina<br />
found that chia seeds helped stop <strong>and</strong> reverse diabetes. Chia seeds<br />
also regulate cholesterol <strong>and</strong> lower blood pressure making it important<br />
to consume for heart health.<br />
• Skin <strong>and</strong> teeth: Chia seeds pack so many nutrients like calcium,<br />
zinc, phosphorous <strong>and</strong> Vitamin A. <strong>The</strong>se nutrients are essential for<br />
strong <strong>and</strong> healthy teeth. <strong>The</strong> antioxidants in chia seeds repair skin <strong>and</strong><br />
help prevent future damage.<br />
Eating too much chia seeds can cause stomach discomfort so always<br />
start slow <strong>and</strong> consume a lot of water. You can eat chia dry or soaked.<br />
When you soak them they turn into a gelatin like pearl. <strong>The</strong>y make a<br />
great addition to oatmeal, cereal, baked goods, or smoothies. Many<br />
chia drinks are now being sold on the market. <strong>The</strong>y are quite pricey but<br />
you can easily make your own!<br />
Chia Seed Drink<br />
1 cup of the juice of your choice (I like pomegranate)<br />
1 cup water<br />
3 TB chia seeds<br />
Warm the water, put in a cup <strong>and</strong> add 3 TB of chia seeds. Stir well until<br />
the chia seeds are evenly dispersed <strong>and</strong> start to swell. Cover <strong>and</strong> put<br />
cup in the refrigerator. Let sit overnight.<br />
<strong>The</strong> next day, get your cup out of the fridge. Your chia seeds should be<br />
blown up in size <strong>and</strong> gelatinous. Your “water” should now be a thick gel.<br />
Mix 1 cup of your chia seed gel with 1 cup of<br />
the juice of your choice <strong>and</strong> mix well. This recipe<br />
serves 2.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
Jackie<br />
* <strong>The</strong>se statements have not been evaluated by the Food <strong>and</strong> Drug<br />
Administration. This product or food is not intended to diagnose,<br />
treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing,<br />
taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your<br />
physician before using this product or food.<br />
Questions? Email Jackie at jcrunchymom@gmail.com<br />
Now on Facebook www.facebook.com/jcrunchymom<br />
Senator Scavello to Host Get Outdoors PA Festival<br />
Stroudsburg, PA – State Senator Mario Scavello will host his second<br />
annual Get Outdoors PA Festival on Saturday, <strong>September</strong> 30th<br />
from 1:00pm–4:00pm. at Brodhead Creek Park (North Fifth Street,<br />
Stroudsburg) in partnership with Stroud Region Open Space <strong>and</strong><br />
Recreation Commission. This family-friendly event will be held rain or<br />
shine for all ages.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Get Outdoors PA Festival is a free event <strong>and</strong> will highlight the many<br />
outdoor experiences available throughout the region. Exhibitors will<br />
provide h<strong>and</strong>s-on activities <strong>and</strong> experiences including the opportunity to<br />
meet Smokey the Bear <strong>and</strong> Woodsy the Owl. Children <strong>and</strong> parents can<br />
also practice their archery <strong>and</strong> fishing skills, take a guided nature walk,<br />
participate in a live animal presentation, learn about stream wildlife <strong>and</strong><br />
much more.<br />
“As state senator <strong>and</strong> member of the Senate Game <strong>and</strong> Fisheries<br />
Committee, I am very excited to host this event in partnership with<br />
the Stroud Region Open Space <strong>and</strong> Recreation Commission,” Senator<br />
Scavello said. “This festival will highlight numerous local <strong>and</strong> regional<br />
organizations focused on protecting our precious natural resources <strong>and</strong><br />
providing exciting outdoor experiences through many fun activities. I<br />
encourage all families to come out <strong>and</strong> enjoy our beautiful park <strong>and</strong> take<br />
part in the day’s festivities.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> schedule of events will include a Live Animal Presentation at 1:30<br />
p.m., a nature walk at 2 p.m. <strong>and</strong> a Stream Study led by Monroe County<br />
Conservation District at 3:00 p.m. Representatives from the Department<br />
of Conservation & Natural Resources, PA Game Commission <strong>and</strong> Fish &<br />
Boat Commission will be present to answer any questions that attendees<br />
may have.<br />
Light refreshments will be provided.<br />
For more information about the Get Outdoors PA Festival please visit<br />
www.marioscavello.com or call<br />
610-863-1200.<br />
We <strong>The</strong> Resilient<br />
by Robert L. Martin<br />
We rise, we fall, then rise again.<br />
We dust ourselves off, then we begin<br />
To work, to rebuild, to follow the plan,<br />
As if tragedy never came into our midst.<br />
Tragedy, the bearer of two different seeds,<br />
One that motivates our instinctive resilience,<br />
And the other that causes us to give up hope,<br />
As we all lie down <strong>and</strong> idle away our dreams.<br />
We arose with the call of the motivation seed.<br />
It blossomed in our hearts as we came to life.<br />
<strong>The</strong> nine eleven disaster wanted us to lie down,<br />
But we came together; yes we, the resilient.<br />
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