What on earth are Chia Seeds?

I have a confession......I have always been a little afraid of chia pets.  You know....the fuzzy little terracota pots that grow hair in the shape of Bart Simpson, Elvis or Obama.  I have just learned that chia seeds are actually edible and super nutritious.    They have been deemed the "new SuperFood".  I actually went to Whole Foods today with a friend and the Chia seeds were invading the store - I think they have become so popular from Dr. Oz.



Chia is a member of the mint family. The seeds are either white or black and both types are highly nutritious. Originally grown in Mexico and the Southwest between 1500 and 910 B.C., Chia seeds were an important part of the Aztec and Mayan diet. Aztec warriors used Chia as their main source of fuel during conquests. Medicinally, they also used it to relieve joint pain and stimulate saliva.


Chia seeds are the HIGHEST SOURCE OF FIBER AND OMEGA-3 ACIDS.  One tablespoon per day contains more than 2500mg of omega 3 fatty acids which means you have to eat 7 fillets of salmon to get that amount of omega 3s. 
Chia seeds also have 3 times the amount of iron in spinach and 5 times the calcium than milk.  Chia slows the impact of sugars on the system, if eaten together. Chia gel creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, which slows the conversion of carbs into sugar. That means the energy from the food is released steadily, resulting in more endurance. This is clearly of great benefit to diabetics in particular. 

They also hold more than 10 times their weight in water and has been used for weight loss so that you will fill more full.  I actually soaked some in water for 10 minutes and tried to make a "tea" I saw on the internet, but one sip and I was done.  I think I had a mental image of a chia pet growing in my stomach.  Super endurance athletes usually eat a full tablespoon of chia seeds with water to help them keep their endurance.  I didn't try it yet but maybe my next marathon....um....maybe.

You can sprinkle them on cereal, oatmeal, salads or use them in recipes for cookies or even Chia Jello.  I'm not sure if I am brave enough to try these little guys in jello yet but I hear they also make a yummy pudding.  I did try them in an amazing granola recipe in the next blog......stay tuned!