Chia Seeds: The Super Food

In the Mojave desert all the way down to Argentina grows a super food which only recently has become globally popular.  This is chia seed which belongs to the mint family and goes by the scientific name Chia Salvia Calumbariae. The benefits of chia seeds have long been known to Native Americans and the the ancient Aztec tribes.

Chia seeds can be roasted, mixed with water and eaten as gruel.  It can also be ground to powder and used as flour in baking.  One of the benefits of chia seeds is the energy boost it gives.  A mere tablespoon of chia seeds in a glass of water can sustain a man to go on a 24-hour march.  Long distance hikers now eat these seeds for this same reason.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Among all crops, chia seeds contain the highest percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids.  A whooping 60% of chia seed composition is omega-3 fatty acids.  Herein lies the amazing health benefit because omega-3 fatty acids prevent cardiovascular problems and improve mental and visual functions.

Protein

Compared to other nutritional grains, chia seeds have higher protein content and the protein it contains is complete as it contains all the essential amino acids.  Protein constitutes 19 to 23% of the total weight of chia seeds.  This concentration of protein explains the benefits of chia seeds in muscle building and wound and tissue repair.

Fiber

The high-fiber composition is yet another one of the many wonderful properties of chia seeds.  A third of their weight is fiber so that a 15-gram serving of chia seeds provides 5 grams of fiber.  Fiber aids in bowel cleansing and cholesterol removal.

Calcium

Maintaining bone density, blood pressure regulation and weight control add up to the benefits and this is because of the high calcium content.  A 2-ounce serving of chia seeds has 5 times the calcium of a glass of milk.

Antioxidants

Chia seeds contains 3 times more antioxidants than blueberries.  This high antioxidant content accounts for the protective benefits against oxidative processes which lead to cancer formation.

Potassium and boron

In addition, chia seeds contain potassium which is essential for blood pressure regulation and boron which is vital for bone health.

The evidence is overwhelming.  The benefits of chia seeds are multitudinous hence it is undoubtedly a super food.