8 Bad Pet Parent Behaviors

We’d like to think that most pet parents are kind, responsible people, always looking out for the best interest of their beloved cat or dog. But is that always the case? Far from it! Even the most well-meaning pet parents can do things that harm their Fido or Fifi. Read on for some of the most common bad behaviors of pet parents. And, of course, a disclaimer: all of these behaviors have plenty of caveats, and, ultimately, the decisions you make regarding your pet are best left to you and your veterinarian.

1. You Think Your Pet’s Bad Behavior is All — Or Not at All — Your Fault.
Your pets’ behavior is  often an extension  of your behavior. Is your dog wreaking havoc by running around the house? Perhaps you don’t walk her enough. Incessant barking, chewing things that shouldn’t be chewed, and treating the house as her own personal bathroom: these are all behaviors that, with proper training, can, and should, be modified. But don’t give yourself too hard of a time — even the most seasoned amateur can have difficulties training some dogs, and some dog breeds in particular. That’s when it’s best to get the help of a seasoned professional.

2. You Let Your Dog Jump on Strangers.
Sure, you might think that your dog is the friendliest, sweetest and most fun animal on the planet. But the hard truth is that, well, not everyone feels that way. Plenty of people out there are afraid of dogs, are allergic, or just don’t appreciate a strange animal jumping on them. Plenty of people with dogs don’t appreciate a strange dog coming up to their beloved pooches. What may be cute to you is annoying and rude, or even scary, to someone else. If your dog has a tendency to jump on strangers, training and a leash can go a long way to prevent that.

3. You Won’t Take Your Cat to the Vet.
Most cats, and dogs, too, aren’t exactly excited to go to the veterinarian. But are humans gung-ho about visiting the doctor? Yes, it can be very, very traumatic on your cat to go to the vet. But not going to the vet has its consequences, too — would you rather your cat get very sick from a preventable problem? If your cat (or you) really can’t handle it, there are many vets that make house calls, though you’ll end up paying more for it.

4. You Feed Your Pet Too Much.
It’s so hard to say no to such a cute face! So many pet owners are guilty of over-feeding their beloved pet. Knock off the table scrap feeding, the extra serving of food, and the special treats just-because. You might be giving your pet a little instant gratification, but this can have serious repercussions  for your pet’s long-term health. Can’t resist the table scraps? Make sure you’re very clear on whether or not a “people food” is okay for your pet to eat. Many foods, even foods that are healthy for humans, can be deadly for cats and/or dogs.

5. You Treat Your Pet Like a Doll.
Your dog is not a fashion accessory, a baby, or a doll — so don’t treat it like one! As much as you want to pamper your pet, Fifi is an animal, and no amount of fancy sweaters, shoes, or pet strollers is ever going to turn your pet into something it isn’t. As long as you get the seal of approval from your vet, let your dog out to play. Let her feet touch the ground. Let her walk on her own. Let her be a dog! Unless your dog is small, old, or sick, or the weather is particularly cold, your dog will do fine without a sweater.

6. You Didn’t Let Your Lifestyle Dictate What Breed You Should Get. Is your border collie miserable in your tiny apartment? Your bulldog not keeping up with your active lifestyle? Your dalmatian snapping at your young children? There is often a good reason for that: you just didn’t choose the right breed of dog for your lifestyle. Choosing the right pet for you is about more than just which breed is the cutest, the softest, or the smallest. If you find yourself with a mismatched pooch, don’t force it to fit into your lifestyle — adapt to fit hers. After all, you chose to bring your pet into your family, and she’s your responsibility. If you and your pet are really mismatched, perhaps it’s because you haven’t taken the proper steps to train her. Start with that.

7. You’re Misusing Crates.
It can be sad to see your beloved pet in a crate — it can seem like doggy jail. But with proper training, your pooch can learn to think of his crate as a safe, comfortable place. And, if your dog tags along in the car, it’s much safer for him to be in the crate than it is to be loose in the car. Humans wear seat belts — dogs need protection, too! Puppies in particular really benefit from the crate, because it helps to reinforce all of the training you’re working on. Crate training, of course, is a decision best left to you and your veterinarian, but don’t be put off from it solely because of your emotions. At the same time, though, don’t overuse the crate. As a general rule, keep puppy crate time limited to 3-4 hours, and for adult dogs, 8 hours.

Source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-bad-pet-parent-behaviors.html

12 Tips To Prevent Bloating

Nobody likes to feel bloated! Unfortunately, most women are familiar with the unpleasant feeling of having a distended belly. It often seems to strike at inopportune times, like when you need to get dressed for a dinner or when you're about to enjoy a night on the town with your girlfriends.
Bloating usually occurs as a result of too much fermentation in the digestive tract. Some common triggers include: stress, a food sensitivity, a lack of enzymes, uncoordinated peristalsis, or eating too much fiber.
Your best bet is best to prevent bloating, instead of trying to address the issue when it's already there. This is a lot easier and will save you the trouble of experiencing discomfort. Here's how to beat the bloat:

1. Eat only when truly hungry.
Try to avoid emotional eating and overeating.
2. Allow your previous meal to digest before eating the next meal.
Wait at least three hours between meals.
3. Chew well and don’t talk while chewing.
If you're eating with others, put down your folk between bites and let the flavor and the experience of food be your only focus. Don't eat and speak at the same time. Better yet, meet friends for walks or for a tea and keep social eating to minimum until your gut is healthy and strong.
4. Be careful with your fiber.
Coarse or poorly chewed fiber will delay passage through the digestive system and slow the rate at which the food is digested and absorbed. So if you don’t chew a slice of bread or a piece of potato properly, you're leaving a lot more work for your stomach and it will take longer.
5. Eat easy-to-digest meals when you're in a rush, stressed, or anxious.
Focus on soups and warm mono-meals such as kitchari and sautéed vegetables.
6. Eat fruit at least 30 minutes before meals.
Don’t eat fruits after a meal. This habit is gas-forming and leads to bloating.
7. Get hip to ginger.
Try chewing on a slice of ginger with lime juice 20 minutes before a meal.
8. Use digestion-stimulating spices when making your food.
Try black pepper, ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamon, or fennel.
9. Don’t drink anything cold while eating.
Ideally, you'll limit cold foods as well. Fruits should be room temperature (not straight from the fridge). If you can’t live without your ice cream, have some ginger tea afterward.
10. Avoid drinking 30 minutes after the meal.
It will dilute digestive juices and make it harder to digest food.
11. Reduce salt.
The easiest way? Start cooking your own meals. Restaurant meals are often overly salty.
12. Eliminate caffeine and alcohol.
This is particularly important if you have a leaky gut or inflammation.

If you feel bloated, try these remedies: 
 
1. Chew on fennel seeds or sip a hot fennel and ginger tea.
Prepare fennel tea by crushing one teaspoon of fennel seeds and adding it to one cup of water in a pot. Bring the water to a boil, cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool and strain.
A traditional dose of fennel tea is about two to three cups daily. If you're at a restaurant or don’t have fennel seeds, opt for a mint tea. It's also soothing to the digestive tract. Another tip: carry tea bags in your purse so you'll always have the kind you like handy.

2. Go for a brisk walk.
Aim for 30 minutes of walking. I also like to add a few jumping jacks or twists. This helps to increase blood circulation and to release gas.

3. Stretch.
You want to do poses that create extension and contraction of the abdomen such as cat/cow, child’s pose, or seated twists.

4. Get warm.
Apply a warm compress on the lower part of the stomach or take a warm bath to improve circulation and counteract muscle contraction that might be causing bloating.

Source:  http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12502/12-tips-to-prevent-bloating.html

Potential Warning Signs of Cancer that People Too Often Ignore

Health experts emphasize the importance of paying attention to warning signs and symptoms that could indicate undiagnosed cancer. If cancer is the cause, early detection by doctors greatly improves the chances of successfully treating the condition.
Though the signs and symptoms described below do not necessarily indicate cancer, do not ignore them. If you experience any of these symptoms, analyze your symptoms and get an appointment with a doctor soon.
There are more than 200 types of cancer. The most common types include lung, prostate, breast, ovarian, bladder, colorectal, kidney (renal), pancreatic, and endometrial cancers as well as melanoma and leukemia.

Here are some warning signs of cancer that you need to be aware of and address appropriately if you experience them.

1. Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained weight loss is often one of the first noticeable signs of cancer. It is particularly common in people suffering from solid tumor cancers like breast and lung cancer.
Weight loss often occurs when a cancer spreads to the liver and impairs its functioning, especially related to regulating appetite and removing toxins. Weight loss can also be an early sign of colon or other digestive cancers.
Unexplained weight loss is so common that:

• as many as 40 percent of cancer patients report unexplained weight loss at the time of diagnosis, and
• unexplained weight loss and cachexia (general ‘wasting’) are experienced in up to 80 percent of cases of advanced cancer.

If you have not been trying to drop some pounds by exercising and watching your diet but you are losing weight anyways, consult a healthcare provider. Losing 10 pounds a month or up to 10 percent of your weight in a span of six months can be cause for concern.

2. Frequent fevers or infections

Though a fever may simply indicate that your body is fighting an infection, a persistent or prolonged fever can be a sign of a cancerous condition, such as lymphoma. Leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells, can also cause symptoms like frequent infections, fevers, fatigue, aches, and other flu-like symptoms.

3. Weakness and fatigue

Weakness and fatigue that does not diminish, even when you get more sleep and rest, should be evaluated by a doctor. It can be a sign of a variety of cancers, so you and your doctor will need to consider other symptoms as well.

4. Wheezing or shortness of breath

Though wheezing and shortness of breath can be caused by a variety of conditions, these symptoms can be associated with lung cancer too. When a tumor in a lung presses against and narrows an airway, it may lead to wheezing – a whistling sound that occurs during exhalation due to constricted airways.

5. Chronic cough and chest pain

At times, symptoms of cancers like leukemia and lung tumors can mimic a bad cough or bronchitis. The problem may persist or come-and-go in repeating cycles. There may also be chest pain extending into the shoulder or down the arm. Consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Also, get yourself checked by a doctor if you have a cough and hoarse voice for more than six weeks, especially if you smoke or have smoked in the past. Occasionally, a hoarse voice may be a symptom of laryngeal, thyroid, esophageal, or lung cancer.

6. Bloating

Unexplained abdominal bloating continuing on-and-off over a long period of time may be sign of ovarian cancer. Bloating accompanied by pelvic pain, swelling in the abdomen, and feeling full may be another tip-off to this condition. Similarly, pain or bloating in the stomach after eating can be a sign of stomach cancer.

7. Chronic heartburn

Heartburn is usually a symptom of acid reflux disease, but if it is persistent, it may be associated with Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.
A study published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology in May 2012 found that inflammation of the tissue lining in the esophagus caused by chronic heartburn may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Moreover, a study by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital discovered a pathway linking Barrett’s esophagus to the development of esophageal cancer. The research was published in the American Journal of Cell Physiology in 2013.

8. Bowel problems

If you notice a change in your bowel habits that lasts four weeks or longer for no obvious reason, consult your doctor as it may be a sign of bowel cancer, especially in older adults.

9. Difficulty swallowing

Trouble swallowing, or the feeling that food is stuck in the throat or chest, that gets worse with time can be a symptom of esophageal or throat cancer. Symptoms of these cancers also include pain or a burning sensation when swallowing food.
Esophageal cancer typically does not cause symptoms initially, so do not ignore these symptoms if they occur. Similarly, difficulty swallowing can be one of the first signs of lung cancer.

10. Jaundice

Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Though it is mostly considered a symptom of liver or gallbladder disease, it can also be caused by pancreatic cancer interfering with the bile duct and liver.

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11. Unusual swelling or lumps in the body

Unusual lumps on the breasts, testicles, groin, neck, abdomen, underarms, or other parts of the body should be thoroughly checked by a doctor, especially if they last for three weeks or more.
At times, an enlarged lymph node or lump under the arm can be a sign of breast cancer. Red, sore, swollen breasts may indicate inflammatory breast cancer.

12. New or changing skin spots or moles

Changes on your skin rarely cause pain and often pose little or no health concerns, but experts recommend screening for cancer when you see:

• new growths, spots, or sores on the skin that won’t heal, or
• changes in symmetry, border, color or diameter of an existing mole.

13. Changes in nails

Unusual changes in fingernails can indicate several types of cancers, such as skin, liver, or lung cancer. While each of the following changes can occur for many reasons, they could be warning signs of cancer.

• Black or brown spots under your nails may indicate skin cancer.
• Clubbing of the fingers or toes (enlarged ends of the nails) may be associated with lung cancer. Diseases that reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood cause this problem.
• Pale or white nails may indicate poor liver functioning, which may be due to various diseases including liver cancer.

14. Pelvic or abdominal pain

Pelvic or lower abdominal pain, accompanied by pelvic heaviness, may be a symptom of ovarian cancer. It may also cause changes in bathroom habits. Generally, women are more at risk of developing ovarian cancer if they:

• have never been pregnant,
• have a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, or
• have been diagnosed with breast, colon, rectum or uterine cancer.

Plus, pain in the pelvic area may be a sign of uterine cancer or leukemia (when pain is due to an enlarged spleen).

15. Unexplained pain lasting more than four weeks

Though aches and pains tend to be vague, if you experience persistent unexplained pain or if it comes-and-goes over a period of four weeks or more, then it is better to get the problem checked by a doctor. Pain is often an early symptom of bone or testicular cancer.

16. Abnormal bleeding

Blood in your urine, though sometimes a symptom of a urinary tract infection, can be caused by bladder or kidney cancer. Similarly, blood in stools, though a common sight among those who have hemorrhoids, can be a symptom of bowel cancer.
Bleeding between periods or after menopause may indicate endometrial or uterine cancer. In rare cases, vaginal bleeding may be due to vaginal cancer. Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract may be a sign of colorectal cancer.
Vomiting blood and coughing up blood may be signs of stomach or esophageal cancer and lung cancer, respectively. Excessive bruising and bleeding that does not stop could be signs of leukemia. While abnormal bleeding can be caused by other illnesses too, it still needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
So, apart from getting your recommended health check-ups and cancer screenings, be sure to keep an eye on the symptoms mentioned above. Try to adopt the “better safe than sorry” approach and get these symptoms checked out by a doctor, particularly if you do not have health issues that would otherwise cause such symptoms.

Source: http://www.top10homeremedies.com/news-facts/potential-warning-signs-cancer-people-often-ignore.html/2

Top 10 Superfoods to Boost Immunity

It is absolutely vital to have a good, strong immune system to stay healthy. The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism to fight off illnesses and infections.
Nutritional deficiencies as well as lack of physical exercise and too much stress can impair immune functions and compromise immunity, increasing both the risk and severity of infection. Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
The foods you eat have a great impact on your immune system which is a complex network of cells and organs. Feeding your body certain foods packed with nutrients and disease-fighting properties will help keep your immune system running strong.

Here are the top 10 superfoods to boost immunity.

1. Garlic

Garlic is one of best immune-boosting foods. It contains powerful antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties that help the body ward off and fight infections.
Regular consumption of garlic helps your body fight infections and inflammatory diseases like the common cold, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Plus, it can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and aid in preventing various types of cancer. To stay healthy, eat one or two raw garlic cloves daily.

2. Honey

Daily consumption of honey has been found to strengthen the immune system. Its antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties help fight infections from viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Honey also can improve your digestive system, treat acid reflux, soothe a sore throat, treat a nasty cough, improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, and heal wounds and scars quickly.
Start each day with one teaspoon of honey along with a glass of lukewarm water to enjoy its numerous health benefits.
Note: Honey should never be given to children under age 1.

3. Ginger

This pungent herb has been used for ages to boost the immune system and treat many health problems. Apart from being a strong antioxidant, ginger has antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties.
This herb helps eliminate congestion, ease throat pain, kill cold viruses, combat fever, inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth, inhibit growth of peptic ulcer disease, promote gastric mobility, decrease chronic pain and lower high cholesterol. Drink one to two cups of ginger tea daily to keep your immune system functioning properly.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is the best drink known to boost the immune system. It introduces a type of flavonoid called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) into the body that helps fight bacteria and prevent viruses from multiplying.
It also has many powerful antioxidants that help protect against viruses, bacteria and other micro-organisms that can cause health problems.
Regular consumption of green tea also will help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, periodontal disease, and osteoporosis. Enjoy a soothing cup of green tea several times a day. Do not add milk, as it will make the tea less effective for this purpose.

5. Yogurt

To boost your immune system, include yogurt with active cultures in your diet. The strains of ‘good’ bacteria such as Bifidobacterium lactis in yogurt boost the activity of immune system cells to destroy viruses and ‘bad’ bacteria. The friendly bacteria also help the body absorb many essential nutrients.
Eating yogurt on daily basis can reduce the incidence of intestinal infections, fight different types of viral infections, improve digestion, reduce the length of the common cold, and treat dysentery and various types of diarrhea. For maximum benefits, buy yogurt that has “live and active cultures” printed on the label.

6. Oranges

Oranges are rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost your immune system. Vitamin C promotes the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections.
Oranges are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B9 or folate, and copper that are important for immune functions. Also, they help lower both cholesterol and blood pressure levels. To improve your immune system, drink a glass of fresh orange juice in the morning and one glass later in the day.

7. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes also are an excellent immunity-boosting food. They are full of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which protects against damaging free radicals and improves immune cell function. Plus, they have a high amount of vitamin A, which is required for the normal functioning of the immune system and helps develop resistance to infection.
Sweet potatoes also help regulate blood sugar and lower insulin resistance; combat inflammatory problems like asthma, arthritis, and gout; relieve constipation and prevent colon cancer; protect against emphysema; and prevent strokes and heart attacks. Eat one-half cup of boiled sweet potatoes daily to improve your immune system and stay healthy.

8. Chicken Soup

A bowl of homemade chicken soup can boost your immune system and increase your chances of beating a viral infection quickly. Chicken soup provides a strong dose of protein, an important nutrient for immune system maintenance.
Plus, it contains B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and zinc, all of which strengthen your immune system. Chicken soup also helps you stay hydrated, which can speed up the healing process if you do get sick. Have chicken soup several times a day when dealing with symptoms of a cold, including a runny nose, nasal congestion and cough.

9. Cayenne Pepper

The compound capsaicin present in cayenne pepper can help boost your immune system. Cayenne pepper also has high beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A content, which is essential for a healthy immune system. It helps defend the body against invading pathogens to prevent illness.
Cayenne pepper helps flush out toxins, stimulate digestion, clear congestion, and reduce symptoms of colds and other infections.

10. Mushrooms

Mushrooms have high antioxidant content and are rich in the essential minerals selenium and copper that are important for the immune system. Research has shown that an increase in selenium intake can help improve the immune function.
Mushrooms also nourish and protect the heart and liver and have the ability to help prevent breast and prostate cancer. They are also known to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. To boost your immune system, opt for shiitake, reishi or maitake mushrooms.
Adding these superfoods to your diet will boost your immune system and help you remain healthy and free of disease.

Source: http://www.top10homeremedies.com/superfoods/top-10-superfoods-boost-immunity.html

Are Pets Killing the Environment?

What has four paws, loves belly rubs, and is poisoning our planet? Some research points the finger at our fluffy friends—and urges us to be considerate of their carbon pawprints.
Mother Jones recently reported on the book Time to Eat the Dog? The Real Guide to Sustainable Living, explores what sustainability really means across all of our lifestyle decisions… including our pets.

So what harm are Mr. Whisker Mittens and Fluffy McKissyNose doing? The book’s authors found that:

• Dogs are the biggest offenders—a medium-sized pup is worse for the planet than a gas-guzzling car, with twice the impact of driving a luxury SUV 10,000 miles.
• While unscooped poop contaminates waterways, those of us who do scoop usually use bags that aren’t biodegradable.
• Cats aren’t off the hook either—two million tons of cat litter gets sent to landfill each year, and most of it isn’t biodegradable.
• Outdoor cat? It can have an impact on the local wildlife, as anyone who’s received a mouse “gift” from their well-meaning friend knows.
• Nosh time is rough, too. Pet food has an environmental cost when it comes to packaging, shipping, and distribution.
• Sick pet? Medications and flea and tick treatments add toxic chemicals to the environment.

Of course, even the most eco-conscious pet owner would probably argue that the benefits of having a pet outweighs the impact it has on the earth—they’re important parts of our lives and families. If you’re set on lowering our pet’s carbon pawprint, though, Mother Jones offers some suggestions:

• Make your own pet food using locally grown, organic products.
• Make your own litter with something like discarded wood shavings (and hope your cat doesn’t retaliate by peeing in your bed).
• Buy natural and organic pet care products.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/are-pets-killing-the-environment.html

7 Winter Vegetables that Boost Your Health

We rarely think of vegetables in the winter but it is important to eat your veggies this time of year to keep your immune system strong.

Beets—Beets are one of the most overlooked superfoods.  They lower blood pressure, increase exercise endurance, and reduce inflammation.  They contain potent phytonutrients called proanthocyanidins which give beets their brilliant purple color.  Proanthocyanidins are proven anti-cancer compounds.  They are packed in nutrients like folate which is important to prevent birth defects, potassium which is critical for healthy muscles and nerves, manganese which helps build strong bones, and vitamin C for a strong immune system.

Carrots—Just one carrot contains 13,500 IU of beta carotene which translates into a tremendous amount of nutritional power against free radicals.  Beta carotene is anti-cancerous, prevents cellular damage and premature aging, and is important to prevent cataracts.

Ginger—Ginger is one of the best natural anti-pain remedies.  Technically it is a spice but it is ideal for winter since it reduces joint pain that plagues so many people with arthritis this time of year.  It also adds warmth to foods and beverages making freshly minced garlic a welcome addition to most soups, stews, and curries.

Rutabaga—Contrary to popular belief, rutabagas are not turnips.  The most common rutabagas are larger than turnips, have purple and cream-colored skins, and tend to have a cream to yellow-colored flesh.  It is high in anti-cancer compounds, immune-boosting vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin B6 which is needed for a healthy nervous system. They are great in soups, stews, curries, and other places you’d use hardy winter veggies.  I love them cut into small cubes, tossed with a bit of olive oil and sea salt and roasted in the oven on 350 for about an hour.

Squash—Squash is rich in beta-carotene, the nutrient that gives squash its brilliant orange-colored flesh.  Enjoy it cut in half, seeded, and roasted.  Add roasted squash to soups, salads, stews, or in wraps and on sandwiches.  Use grated, raw squash in muffin recipes, in place of zucchini in zucchini bread recipes, or in other baked goods to increase their nutritional value.

Sweet Potatoes—Like squash, sweet potatoes are also high in beta carotene.   They also contain vitamins C, B6, and minerals like blood-building iron, energy-boosting potassium, and Nature’s relaxant, magnesium.  Enjoy them chopped into French fry-shapes, tossed in a little olive oil and sea salt and baked in the oven for about 45 minutes on 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Turnips—Turnips are a good source of fiber which helps to keep blood sugar levels steady and stabilize energy and moods.  They are also a rich source of glucosinolates—the precursors of isothiocyanates that are proven anti-cancer powerhouses.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-winter-vegetables-that-boost-your-health.html#

Why Everyone Should Try Sprouting Chia Seeds

I have to admit, I was a little bummed at Christmas when at my family’s gift exchange, I was the recipient of a Chia Pet. Everyone else got stuff they could use or gifts that were fun, but what was I going to do with a chia pet?
I soon realized that out of everyone in my family, I was actually the best one to get the Chia Pet. I had been eating chia seeds for years, but had never tried sprouting them. I knew right then that I was going to eat my chia pet!
What a great and fun way to grow microgreens! I soaked the chia seeds like the directions indicated, and carefully spread them around my pet's face to grow his microgreen beard. It took several days on my countertop before I started to see the sprouts forming. (I think if I had a little more light, things would have been faster.) However, it wasn’t long ... just 4-5 days and I had microgreens (of course not quite as full as the photo on the box showed)!
I invited a friend over for lunch, and we ate my Chia Pet's beard. We scooped off the microgreens and added them to our guacamole. Yum! You could also add these small microgreens to your salad, atop your sandwich, in your smoothie, or anywhere you need an extra boost of nutrients. They’re so tiny and tender, you hardly even know there are there, but they pack a powerful nutritional punch.
USDA researchers recently published a study on microgreens and reported that they possess significantly higher nutrient densities than mature leaves. In fact, microgreens can have 4-6 times the nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plant!
Chia seeds actually got their name from the Mayan word for “strength,” and for good reason! Chia seeds are extremely healthy, which is why they're known as a superfood! Here are just some of the benefits of chia seeds:

• They have maximum nutrients with minimal calories.
• They contain high levels of ALA omega-3 fatty acids (higher than flaxseeds and even salmon).
• They're a good source of fiber and antioxidants (which neutralize free radicals).
• They're high in calcium
• They're high in manganese (good for bones and helps our body use other essential nutrients).
• Have plenty of phosphorus to maintain healthy bones and teeth.
• They are a great protein source.

Once sprouted, you also get the added benefit of chlorophyll (the source of the “green” of the leaf). Chlorophyll is a powerful blood cleanser and blood builder. It replenishes and increases our red blood cell count and increases the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen and deliver us increased levels of oxygen.
If you to purchased already sprouted microgreens, they're expensive and can go for $30 a pound. However, when grown at home with the help of your chia pet, they cost significantly less!
So don’t throw away that unwanted Chia Pet; or go purchase one on the cheap, since we are post-holiday, and you’ll be adding healthy microgreens to your diet in no time while having fun doing it! Invite some friends over for dinner and have your Chia Pet as a centerpiece. Show your guests how to use the microgreens, and your centerpiece will be something they won’t soon forget!

Read More:  http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12404/why-everyone-should-try-sprouting-chia-seeds.html