CHIA SEEDS - 2ND TRIMESTER healthiest foods

100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During pregnancy

2ND TRIMESTER

CHIA SEEDS
Ever heard of chia seeds? If they're a new food to you, you're not alone. This relatively unknown seed is popular in South America, and it's gaining popularity in North America as a health food. Chia seeds contain leots of healthy nutrients for you and your baby, including amino acids and fiber. But chia seeds' real claim to fame is their omega-3 fatty acid content.

* The omega-3 fatty acid content is even higher in chia seeds than in the previous king of omega-3 seeds, flaxseeds.

* Chis seeds contain about 5,000mg of omega-3 fatty acids per ounce. Flaxseeds contain about half of that amount per ounce. (Don't toss your flaxseeds, though: They also have high lignan content. Lignans are fats known for their ability to help battle conditions caused by hormone imbalances, like PMS and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes,a nd for promoting breast and prostate health).

* What's so great about omega-3s? Omega-3 fatty acids are essential, which means that your body needs them for health but can't produce them; you have to consume them. The type of omega-3 fatty acid found in plant seeds, like chia seeds, is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which results in healthier cells in your boyd, which means your brain, nerves, skin, and other organs can work better.

* One ounce of chis seeds also contains 11 g of fiber, 4 g of protein, and 9 g of fat (most of which is good fat). Chis seeds are a well-balanced source of energizing nutrients.

* Chia seeds contain about a third of your daily recommended intake of phosphorus and about 25% of your needs of manganese, two minerals needed for proper development of your baby's skeletal system.

* An ounce of chia seeds also contains about 180 mg calcium, another crucial mineral for bone development.

JONNY'S TASTY TIPS
You may remember sprouting chia seeds on those infamous clar figures known as "chia pets" in the 1980's. You can even still find chia pets for sale, but please, don't try eating the seeds in those packages! Instead, look for chia seeds in your local health food store. You don't have to prout them: Just add them to a smoothing or sprinkle them on top of cereal or jogurt for a fast, easy nutrition boost.

PREVIOUS POSTS
1st Timester:

ALMONDS: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/100150-almonds-1st-trimester-healthiest-foods
ANCHOVIES: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/100146-anchovies-1st-trimester-healthiest-foods-during-pregnancy
APPLESAUCE: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/100145-applesauce-1st-trimester-healthiest-foods

2nd trimester:

AVOCADO: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/100148-avocado-2nd-trimester-healthiest-foods
BASIL: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/100147-basil-2nd-trimester-healthiest-foods
CHIA SEEDS:

3rd Trimester: