We’ve all heard of chia seeds, but they are spoken and written about sparingly when it comes to adding them to your prepper supply. But there are several incredibly good reasons to consider storing chia seeds for when the SHTF.
The Mayans loved chia seeds so much that “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for “strength.” So if you’re looking for a food item that will provide you with energy, nutrition, and the strength to make it through a catastrophe, look no further than chia seeds. Grown in Mexico and South America, chia seeds are said to have been used by both the Mayan and Aztec cultures for supernatural powers.
1.Nutrition
Despite their teeny size, chia seeds pack a punch when it comes to nutritional content. Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium, according to Medical News Today.
2. Egg Replacement
Although most people use chia seeds soaked in water as an egg replacement in vegan meals, they could be used similarly after the SHTF. If all of your chickens die off or you’re unable to get to the store for eggs chia seeds could make a decent replacement for foods that need some binding.
3. Digestion and Detox
A diet with adequate fiber prevents constipation and promotes regularity for a healthy digestive tract. Digestive concerns are very real for those who consider themselves to be preppers, and chia seeds will be a huge help! Regular bowel movements are crucial for the daily excretion of toxins through the bile and stool, and we will all need our health to remain stable if we expect to make it through a disaster less dinged up than the average person.
4.Greens via Sprouts
Chia seeds can also be grown into sprouts, which will add a little more green to your SHTF diet. Because they quickly absorb lots of water, traditional sprouting methods using a jar are not advised. If you put chia seeds directly into the water they will turn into a gooey gelatinous mess. That’s fine when using it as an egg replacement (as suggested in #2) but they just won’t sprout that way giving you nutritious greens. But using a terra cotta dish, you’ll be able to effectively sprout delicious and wholesome chia seeds.
5. Easy Storage
Chia seeds are incredibly easy to store, making them almost perfect for the majority of preppers to add to their stockpile of food. The antioxidants in the chia seeds allow them to be stored for months in a dark, cool place, like your cupboard, but because they will keep for up to 5 years, it is not unreasonable to add them to your SHTF food supply. Preparedness Mama suggests putting your chia seeds in plastic Ziplock baggies and pushing as much air from the bag as you can. Toss your baggies of chia seeds into a 5-gallon bucket and store them in a cool, dry place like most of your other dehydrated foods in storage.
NOTE: Because chia seeds can absorb 27 times their own weight in water, they work well for healthy digestion, however, should be mixed with other foods or liquids before consuming, especially for people with a history of swallowing problems. Small children should not be given dry chia seeds.
