June 28, 2016
Chia: The Tiny Seed That Packs A Big Punch
Chia seeds have become incredibly trendy in health conscious circles (and with good reason!) but they are far from being a new food staple.
Chia seeds were originally cultivated by the Aztecs and are the tiny seed of the Salvia Hispanica which is a member of the mint family. They are named for the Nahuatl word chian meaning, "oily." When added to liquids, chia seeds produce a gel that can be extremely beneficial to your health.
Here are just a few reasons your might consider adding chia to your diet:

1. Chia seeds are a great source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids
While not as potent as the EPA and DHA found in fish and grass-fed beef, chia seeds do contain alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), that can be beneficial to your health. ALA is considered a heart healthy nutrient with studies showing that it can help fight heart disease. It may not be as potent as the omegas found in salmon but gram for gram, chia beats salmon! So, if you don't like fish, you're in luck!2. Chia seeds are a great source of protein
By weight, chia is about 11% protein which is incredible for a plant source! They also contain a lot of the essential amino acids which means they are extremely beneficial to vegetarians and vegans. Chia seeds rank right up there with quinoa as being wonderful plant based protein sources! [bctt tweet="Chia: The Tiny Seed That Packs A Big Punch"]
3. Chia seeds are packed with nutrients
A 2 tablespoon (1 ounce) serving of chia seeds contains: - 11 grams of fiber - 4 grams of protein - 5 grams of omega 3 - 18 per cent of the RDA for calcium - 30 per cent of the RDA for manganese - 27 per cent of the RDA for phosphorus - zinc - Vitamin B1, B2 and B3 - potassium A "superfood?" Sure looks that way!4. Chia seeds are high in fiber
Chia seeds contain carbohydrates, but around 95% of that is in the form of fiber. This carb source won't impact insulin levels the same way a starch would so it is useful in keeping blood sugar stable. This fiber is also useful in the maintenance of healthy gut bacteria, it aides digestion and absorption while making you feel fuller, longer.