The Goodness of Chia Seeds

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

I’ve been hearing a lot about Chia Seeds lately…

Chia is the Mayan word for strength. The seeds were used by ancient cultures as energy rich food which was able to sustain people for hours. This ancient food was first used as food as early as 3500 BC and were one of the main dietary components of the Aztecs and the Mayans.

black chia seeds

In terms of nutrition, what is so good about chia? What’s all the fuss about?

Chia is the richest plant based source of Omega 3, dietary fibre, protein and antioxidants.

Chia is available in two colour varieties. Black Chia and White Chia. The black variety actually contains a combination of black and white seeds while the white Chia is formed by specifically selecting white seeds from the black variety. The black and white seeds are pretty much the same in all of its properties ie. size, taste and smell, however there may be a few minor seasonal nutritional differences.

People often refer to Chia as Nature’s Complete Superfood because it is extremely high in nutrition that is essential for a healthy diet including Omega 3, dietary fibre and protein as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Chia contains:

• 37% Dietary Fibre
• 20% Omega 3 ALA
• 20% Protein
• High in antioxidants (ORAC value of 10,000 vitamin E equivalents)
• High in Vitamins and Minerals (Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium)

Or, think of it this way… a 2 tbsp serving of chia offers:

• Five times the omega-3 content of a 1/4-cup serving of walnuts
• Twice the iron and magnesium of a cup of spinach
• As much calcium as a half-cup of milk
• As much potassium as a third of a banana
• More than twice the fiber of a cup of oatmeal

Chia is also a gluten free Wholegrain

Chia is a wholegrain food because it contains all components of the grain, ie the Bran, Germ and Endosperm. Also, Chia is the only wholegrain that you can eat raw exactly as it comes from the plant without removing the husk, milling, processing or cooking.

An awesome fact about Chia as wholegrain food is that it contains such a high amount of fibre, protein and Omega 3 as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The protein is a complete protein with all 8 essential amino acids which is very rare for a vegetarian source of protein.

Sprinkle these flavourless seeds on salads, muesli, oatmeal, stir frys, smoothies, muffin or bread batter, or cereal.

Click here to check out a Chia website which contains amazing Chia recipes including hot food, main meals, smoothies, drinks, snacks – you’ll find something for the whole family!!

I add Chia to my food everyday!! Don’t forget to check out those recipes I mentioned too. It’s so easy to add Chia to your diet:-)

Yours in health and nutrition…

Kim

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