We have all heard the cha cha chia commercials on television for the word famous chia pets. You know those ceramic animals that you grow into a plant. The seeds that are used for that plant are called chia seeds.
There has been a lot interest in chia seed lately for its health benefits so I thought I would relay to you what I know. Chia seed was first cultivated by the Aztecs in ancient Mexico. The Aztecs considered it a power food and used it often in there diet.
Chia is one of the richest plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids, very similar in composition to those found in the better known flax seed. Both chia and flax can be used as an alternative to fish oil as an omega 3 source. And like flax seeds chia seeds are also a great source of dietary fiber. Both can be used in smoothies and sprinkled on all kinds of food such as yogurt, cereal and salads.
I do really like the benefits of chia seed, but there is one point I would like to make. In my opinion it is no better than flax seed, and right now it is substantially more expensive. If you are currently using flax I see no reason to switch. If you are considering a plant based omega 3 I would still recommend flax over chia because of the price difference.
wow...
at the first time, I thought it was a toy
but it's a plant...
hmm...it seem has lot benefits
opan@healthy eating for kids´s last blog ..7 Nutrition for the Brain
nice article.
I prefer organic chia seeds. they have made a world of difference to my health - for the better.