Chia Seeds Health Information
- The chia plant is part of the same family of herbs as mint. Chia seeds were a major staple in the diets of the Aztecs and Mayans, according to the Health Central website. Aztec warriors often used chia seeds as survival rations. In 2005, two doctors, Wayne Coates and Richardo Ayezra, wrote the book, "Chia: Rediscovering a Forgotten Crop of the Aztecs," which helped lead to increased commercial production of chia seeds, according to Health Central.
- Chia comes in two main types, white chia and black chia. Typically, black chia is the more commonly produced variety.
Chia seeds are virtually tasteless, according to the Health Central website. As a result, they can be added to many foods such as salads, yogurt and even breakfast cereal. Chia seeds may also be mixed into juice or water. - Chia seeds break down to be 16 percent protein, 31 percent fat and 44 percent carbohydrate, according to the Health Central website. The Nutrition Data site says a 1-oz. serving of chia seeds contains 137 calories. The majority of the fat found in chia seeds can be attributed to the beneficial Omega 3 fatty acids.
- Chia seeds are rich in fiber, according to Chia for Health. These fiber-rich seeds are able to absorb up to 30 times their weight when mixed into water. Drinking water infused with chia seeds will help clean out a person's digestive track. The chia seeds help eliminate debris from the intestinal walls, according to Chia for Health.
- In addition to providing a natural intestinal cleanse, chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, calcium, vtamin C and vitamin E. The major benefit of taking chia seeds is that they contain a higher energy-boosting property than rice, corn, wheat or oats, according to Chia for Health. For athletes and distance runners, chia seeds can be a major source of energy. The seeds also contain boron, which is needed for bone health and to properly digest many minerals.
- The protein in a serving of chia seeds provides more protein per oz. than any other grain or seed on the market, according to the Chia for Health site. This amount of protein is beneficial to a person's health because it helps the body repair cells and aids in healthy cellular production.