Beauty Food of the Week: Chia Seed
WWB’s Ideal Find: Annamarie Gianni Skincare
WWB’s Beauty Food of the Week is the Chia Seed. Some of you who are foodies may have heard a lot about this newly ordained ‘superfood’, while others may remember the ‘Pet Chia Plant’ craze of the early 80’s! Let’s skip over the chia plant story and get right to the ‘super’ facts about the Chia Seed. They actually go much further back than the 80’s and have been around for hundreds of years. Thanks to the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans rich cultural history (found in Mexico and South America), we know chia seeds were used as staple foods, but were also revered as a potent nutrient. The ancient Mayan culture called the powerful little seed ‘Chia’, which also meant ‘strength’. The seed became known by the Indians as ‘Running Food’ because of the sustained energy it gave runners and warriors of the time. So we can confidently say…never underestimate the super-power of chia seeds!
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein and fiber, these now ‘trendy seeds’ are loaded with nutritional power. Wouldn’t it make sense then that they’d do just as much good for the outside of your body as the inside? Chia seeds are so rich in hormone balancing fatty acids, it only makes sense that they would be great for skin. The presence of ample fiber also helps in elimination and reduction of environmental toxins, which can lead to skin problems. Add in their incredible antioxidant power and you’ve got yourself a skin healing superfood.
The naturals and organic folks who are creating beauty and natural products for you are really in love with the Chia Seed right now, because these little seeds when cold pressed into an oil, work ‘miracles’ on the skin. Chia seed oil is super moisturizing. In the Mexican culture today Chia means ‘oily’ so this totally makes sense! It hydrates, rebuilds, protects, and calms the skin. The powerful antioxidants in the oil work to protect skin against damage from free radicals associated with aging and UV damage. You can reap the beneficial beauty benefits of chia in a bottle by checking out my Ideal Find or you can try your own DIY mask below.
CHIA SEED BEAUTY MASK
Avocados are high in Vitamin E which helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and Chia Seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation. Paired together you have a ‘mighty’ spa treatment for your skin! As summer fun in the sun begins, you will want to take extra care good care of your skin…
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Mash 1/2 of an avocado in a bowl
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Add 3 tablespoons of ground chia seeds to avocado, mix well.
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Apply mixture to face and neck, leave for 15-20 minutes.
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Gently wash off with water.
Just as a wise reminder, when it comes to beauty products and ‘miracle ingredients’, I believe a good balanced diet filled with a plethora of all the beauty foods I feature at WWB contribute to healthy skin. So try to eat across the color spectrum of nature’s bounty as they all work together synergistically to beautify your skin. When seeking ‘enhancement’ from a bottle try to look for some of the super beauty foods featured here, that naturally nourish your body from the inside out. We all love a good ‘miracle’ but we also love wisdom. 😉
