Benefits of Chia Seeds: Five Reasons to Incorporate them Into Your Diet

Chia seeds are a super food that can provide many benefits to those who consume them on a regular basis. In fact, the peoples of South America (where chia seeds originate) have known the benefits of consuming chia seeds for hundreds of years, and they were even a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets. Today, they draw the attention of many health food junkies due to the benefits they can provide, as well as the various ways in which they can be used in cooking. While there are numerous benefits of consuming chia seeds, here are the top five reasons to eat them.

1. Great Source of Fiber: Consuming the proper amount of fiber is vital to one’s health, as fiber is associated with lowering cholesterol and regulating bowel function. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, containing 10 grams in only 2 tablespoons, which is about one-third of the recommended daily fiber intake. Eating chia is thusly an easy way to incorporate more fiber into your diet.
2. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds are rich in unsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, chia seeds are one of the richest plant based sources of omega-3s. Why is consuming omega-3 fatty acids important? Consuming these unsaturated fats can help to reduce cholesterol and can even help to enhance cognitive function.
3. Chia Seeds are Filling: Eating chia seeds helps one to feel full and satisfied after a meal. This helps to cut down on cravings and snacking in between meals. This can help with weight management, and can help to improve one’s overall health as it helps to prevent overindulging in unnecessary food.
4. They are Full of Minerals and Nutrients: Two tablespoons of chia seeds contains roughly 18 percent of the daily recommended intake of calcium, 24 percent for magnesium, and roughly fifty percent of the daily recommended intake of manganese. These nutrients can help to prevent high blood pressure (hypertension), and can help you to maintain a healthy weight by improving your metabolism.
5. Chia Seeds Help with Blood Sugar Regulation: Chia seeds can help those with diabetes by helping to regulate the insulin levels in their body. They do this by helping to decrease abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood.

Chia seeds truly are a super food that can provide many benefits to those who incorporate them into their diet. Contact us to find out about more of the amazing benefits of consuming chia seeds, as well as to find out ways you can incorporate them into your diet.

Exploring the Many Benefits of Chia Seeds for your Health

Here in America, people tend to think of Chia seeds as something that are used to grow plants that resemble furry animals. The fact is that they have been included in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries, not only because they have health benefits, but because they taste delicious as well. When you learn of some of the benefits of chia seeds, you may just want to try them for yourself.
Improves Heart Health-Chia seeds are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce bad levels of cholesterol in the body. These seeds are also high in dietary fiber, and may help to reduce fat stores around the heart, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Antioxidants-Chia seeds help eliminate toxins from the body, and also help support healthy elimination
Rich in nutrients-In addition to high levels of protein, chia seeds also contain approximately 18% of your daily-recommended allowance of calcium, 35% of phosphorus, 50% for manganese, and 24% for magnesium.
Promotes weight loss-Consuming chia seeds on a daily basis is thought to help speed your metabolism, thereby enhancing your weight loss efforts. They also help to suppress the appetite, and the fact that they contain high levels of protein means that you are more likely to lose fat rather than muscle while you slim down.
Helps manage diabetes-A person’s insulin levels are easier to control whenever chia seeds are added to the diet. Regular consumption of chia seeds helps to reduce insulin resistance while also decreasing high blood glucose levels.
Eases arthritis suffering-Since chia seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, they are also beneficial to those who are suffering from arthritis. There is some evidence that they might help relieve some of the pain associated with this condition as well.
Increases energy-Chia seeds help boost energy levels naturally without leaving you feeling jittering or experiencing a “crash” some time later.
How to Eat Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are virtually tasteless; however, they do add texture to food, and are ideal for baking bread with. Other uses for them including sprinkling on cereal, ice cream, salads, vegetables or putting in smoothies.
If you’re looking for a fun way to include chia seeds in your diet, try our blue corn chips that are sprinkled lightly with them. To find out where to buy blue corn chips or any of our other flavors, contact us today.

Just Ask The Aztecs About The Benefits Of Chia Seeds

Just Ask The Aztecs About The Benefits Of Chia Seeds

Have you heard the stories about the "running people" of the Copper Canyons in Mexico?  It has been said that they are perhaps the finest long distance runners on earth.  The stories tell of 100 to 300 mile runs that the people do with ease.  You can just imagine the intense physical conditioning that must take place to be able to run like that!

The Tarahumara people of Mexico begin that conditioning at a very young age with the goal to be becoming runners for life, and along with a simple diet, the people have been known to live to 100 years old.  They also rarely suffer from disease and illnesses like we do in the western world.  Main staples of their diet were chia seeds and pinole.  Pinole was actually a type of roasted corn, often mixed with sugar, which is an excellent food for staving off hunger. Super concentrated and super nutritious, it is a food that will sustain you for weeks.

The mighty chia seed comes from a member of the mint family that thrives in the desert.  These seeds, along with the pinole are true "super foods" and chia offers twice the protein of any other seeds, like flax seeds for instance. They are also a rich source of antioxidants. 

Dr. Andrew Weil's website tells us that: 

"Chia is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, even more so than flax seeds. And it has another advantage over flax: chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid. And, unlike flax, they do not have to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body. Chia seeds also provide fiber (25 grams give you 6.9 grams of fiber) as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc."

The Aztec peoples of Mexico ate chia seeds as a staple of their diets as the plant was grown all over Mexico as far back as 1500 BC.  The chia seed helped maintain their powerful military and was known as the ultimate survival food.  They also used chia for medicine and it was included in religious ceremonies as an offering to the gods.  When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived they made note of the importance of this food in the people's diets and they promptly decided to do whatever they could to remove it from the people's lives.

Today, we know that the mighty chia is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet.  We also know that it can help us reduce our risk of heart disease and even help us avoid the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. Studies have shown that eating chia "improves major and emerging cardiovascular risk factors".

When we learned about all the health benefits of eating chia seeds, we just had to find a way to include them in our snacks.  Along came the Organic, Blue Corn Tor"chia" chip which has been infused with the mighty chia seed.

Contact us and we will let you know where you can grab a bag today!

Keep the Fun in Back to School Healthy Snacks

Are your kids tired of the same old back to school healthy snacks? If your brood is begging for processed foods, techno-colored gelatin snack cups, and the other "cool" snacks that their friends have, it may be time to shake things up a bit. Luckily, you don't have to sacrifice your family's values or your children's health to do so. Instead, you can add a fun new snack to their lunchboxes.
Our unique tortilla chips have a fun whale's tail shape that'll encourage your kids to dive in again and again. Add them to your teen's lunch bag with a cup of salsa, serve them to your kids as nachos for an after school snack, or just keep them on hand for between meal munching.
Whale's tails are healthy, GMO free, and taste great. You'll love them because they're good for you, your kids will love them because of their unique shape and fun crunch. When you add whale tails chips to your snacking routine, you're making a healthy choice that everyone can get behind. Our chips have chia seed for an added Omega-3 boost, providing your children with the boost their developing brains need to get through their school day.
If you're tired of plain tortilla chips, opt for one of our fun flavors instead. We offer whale tails in three varieties -- blue corn, lightly salted original, and Hawaiian Barbeque. Kids and adults alike love them, so be sure to try all three!

If you'd like to learn more about these unique new chips, contact us today.

6 Rumors You Could Totally Make Up About Pygmy Right Whales and No One Would Know the Difference

You probably know by now that scientists in New Zealand have just discovered a whale that everyone thought was extinct for 2 million years. Little is known about Pygmy Right Whales because they rarely come to shore. So, we imagined our own exclusive interview that never happened with one of these mysterious creatures and present these 6 rumors that have been subjected to absolutely no fact checking.
Question: How do you deal with the loneliness of being the last surviving family member?
Answer: It’s tough. I have to push myself to get out there and make new friends. I tired omegle, but every time I meet a nice stranger to chat with, they disconnect as soon as I mention I’m 21 feet long and have a distinctive snout.
Question: Is it true you’re going to be on the Dr. Phil Show soon?
Answer: Sure, my people are talking with his people. But if he tries to pitch me that weight loss book, he’ll be the one crying.
Question: Do you feel like the general public just doesn’t get you?
Answer: Tell me about it. We’re all just so tired of being known as the animal with a hole in it.
Question: What do see in store for the future?
Answer: Glad you asked. Now that we’re up to Twilight 5, I think the whole vampire thing has peaked. I predict whales will be the next big thing.
Question: I know I may be treading on sensitive ground here, but how is the lawsuit going?
Answer: Let’s just say this thing with Jonah has been dragging on so long it's Biblical. The guy stays three nights and skips out on his bill?
Question: What’s your favorite snack food?
Answer: Now that’s an easy one. I eat Whale Tails Tortilla Chips. I’m especially partial to the Organic Blue Corn infused with Chia, the ancient Mayan super seed. It’s the secret to my survival.
Seriously, of course all of us at Whale Tails are excited about this news. As Felix Marx, a paleontologist at the University of Otago, said "It's the last survivor of quite an ancient lineage that until now no one thought was around." Contact us for more whale news and chips.

The Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are not just for chia pets anymore. This ancient Mayan seed is the new super food, and a key ingredient in our Blue Tor"chia" Chips. So what are the benefits of chia seeds? These tiny seeds pack a big nutritional punch. Here are some of the ways they work their health magic:

Add healthy Omega-3 oil to your diet

Chia seeds are the richest plant-source of this healthy oil. We love the ocean, and everything that lives in it. Chia seeds are a way to get this essential oil without harming any of the ocean's residents. In fact, chia seeds contain even more Omega-3 than salmon. This oil is important in maintaining heart and cholesterol health, and has even been targeted as a weight-loss helper.

Feel more energized all day long

Chia is also one of nature's highest plant-based sources of complete protein. Usually protein from other plant-based sources is incomplete, meaning you have to balance it with protein from other sources to get the full effect. But with chia seeds, it's protein is complete enough to give you steady energy all day long.

Get the calcium and fiber your body needs

Many Americans do not get enough calcium. Chia seeds deliver up to five times more calcium than milk! Snacking on a chip with chia seeds can actually contribute to keeping your bones strong and healthy. Bonus! Chia seeds also deliver 42% of your daily recommended dose of fiber per ounce. Fiber is vital for all aspects of health, and is especially key for weight loss and digestion. And it's another one of those things that we just don't get enough of. 

And do you know what's really incredible about chia seeds? You get all of these health benefits and great flavor. Chia seeds actually enhance the natural flavors of whatever item they are used in. So they give our organic blue chips an extra nutty and delicious flavor.

To find out more about how you can snack your way to health, please feel free to contact us.

Nuts and Seeds Can Be Great Healthy Snacks And Give You An Energy Boost Too

We were reading about the health benefits of snacking on nuts and seeds recently and what caught our attention was how nuts and seeds can provide a long-lasting energy boost which can help you maintain stamina and focus.

The website of the esteemed Mayo Clinic tells us that:

"Eating nuts as part of a healthy diet can be good for your heart. Nuts, which contain unsaturated fatty acids and other nutrients, are a great snack food, too. They're inexpensive, easy to store and easy to take with you to work or school."

They also write that:

"People who eat nuts as part of a heart-healthy diet can lower the LDL, low-density lipoprotein or "bad," cholesterol level in their blood. High LDL is one of the primary causes of heart disease." 

Did you know that Magnesium, which is abundant in most nuts, can be very beneficial in the reduction of inflammation?  When Inflammation may be responsible for so many health problems, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, we were pleased to learn that consuming nuts when snacking can be a effective way to reduce that inflammation. Nuts have always been know as a great source of energy.

One of our favorite seeds to eat is the amazing Chia Seed.  Did you know that they are helpful with weight loss by keeping calories from being absorbed into your system?  They are also high in Omega 3s and have shown to be beneficial additions to the diabetic diet.  They are very helpful in controlling blood sugars.

When it comes to healthy snacks, Whale Tails Chips totally fits your "good for you" requirements.  Contact us today to find out all about our organic, non-gmo, kosher and gluten-free snacking options.

Tummy Growling? Look for Healthy Vending Options

I am sure you have been there. You have spent the day surfing or on the beach with your family. All the snacks were eaten on the beach, or perhaps they were eaten in the car on the way to your next destination. You are trying to eat as healthy as possible, but your schedule sometimes gets tight, which causes you to eat on the run occasionally. Whether you are at work on an empty stomach or at the hospital visiting a loved one, you will find healthy vending options in your nearest snack machines.

One of those healthy vending options is Whale Tail's Blue Corn Tortilla Chips infused with Chia. Chia seed is a super food that contains omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-3's are known to lower cholesterol. 

They are also a good source of fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. For hundreds of years, this tiny seed was used by the Aztecs as their main energy source. Plant Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Cleveland Clinic

Not only is it healthy to eat our chips, it is incredibly fun too. The tortilla chips are shaped like a whale's tail. 

Having the Chia infused into the Corn Chips is not the only reason that the chips are healthy for you. All varieties of Whales Tail's Chips are made with Organic Corn that is grown in the USA. Our chips are naturally gluten free. They do not contain any genetically modified organisms or Trans Fat, and they are kosher.

Next time your tummy is growling, and you are far from a carrot stick but near a vending machine, look for our organic tortilla chips. We have 3 varieties.

• Original Yellow Corn Chips with “Alaea” Red Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salt
• Hawaiian Barbeque Flavor Chip
• Blue Tor"Chia" Chips

Contact us if you have any questions, or to find a distributor near you.

The Many Benefits of Chia Seeds

You might have seen our Organic Blue Corn chips, which advertise that they are infused with chia seeds and you may have found yourself wondering, "So?"  If that's gone through your head, allow us to take a minute to talk about the benefits of chia seeds.  Yes, we're dedicating a whole blog to chia seeds, because they are just that cool.

Chia seeds are considered a superfood, which is to say it is a food that contains a high amount of nutrition per bite.  Chia seeds are taken from a desert plant, Salvia hispanica, which is a member of the mint family.  Mainly grown in southern Mexico, it is said that Indians used the seed for energy and substance.  They are flavorless on their own and magnify the flavors they are mixed with, which means you get the benefit without any weird tastes.

So what can the seed do for you?  

• Help you lose weight.  If you were to take some chia seeds and put them in a glass of water and return in about an hour, the water would become gelatinous because of all the soluble fiber in the seed.  This gelatin property helps you feel fuller longer.  In addition, it prevents calories from being absorbed since the gel provides a coating and prevents caloric absorption.
• Chia seeds are high in calcium.  In fact, they have more calcium than whole milk.
• Chia seeds have tons of anti-oxidant properties.  The same thing you find in blueberries and exotic fruits.  Anti-oxidants help you stay younger longer.  That's why chia seeds are capable of staying fresh for so long at room temperature without preservatives.  You can leave them on the counter for two years and they'll still remain fresh and ready to eat.
• Chia seeds have omega-3.  They have more omega-3 than salmon!  Omega-3 helps heart disease and other inflammatory causing problems, like arthritis.  In addition, they help to reduce blood pressure.
• Chia seeds give you energy.  Because they contain complete protein, and balance that with other vitamins and minerals, you'll have more energy that is long lasting.

There is an abundance of ways to include chia seeds in your diet; we've found just one tasty way by including it in our Organic Blue Corn Whale Tails!

For more health benefits of our unique tortilla chips, please contact us today!