Chia is easy to grow, beautiful to look at, and offers lots of nutritional value. It deserves a place in any garden!
Highest quality fresh seeds available.
by Zellajake Many Sizes
1000 seeds/gram. Seeds shipped in a ziplock baggie.
What are Chia Seeds?
Salvia hispanica L., more commonly known as the Chia seed, is an ancient seed traditionally used in folk medicine.
The seed was believed to have healing properties for treating eye obstructions, infections and respiratory illness.
Chia seeds were a staple food in the Mexican diet as well as an oil source. Mexicans would roast and ground the seed to be eaten as gruel or press it for oil to be used as a body lotion and pottery polish. Today, people still soak the seeds in water or fruit juice as a refreshing drink.
Why are they good for me?
Omega-3’s
Chia seeds can produce oil ranging from 25% to 35%, most of which is polyunsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids can be broken down into two groups, omega 3’s and omega 6’s. Chia seeds have high amounts of omega-3’s, which have been linked to lower rates of heart disease, inflammation, cancer, and nervous system disorders.
Antioxidants
Chia seeds and their oil have been found to have high levels of phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are found in plants and play a role in antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are important in the daily diet since they can fight against toxins that cause diseases including cancer, heart disease, and premature aging.
Fiber
Chia also holds a high fiber content. Fiber has many great health benefits, including decreasing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. It continues to be low in the typical American diet, with the average American only getting 12 grams/day (compared to the 25-30 grams/day recommended by the American Dietetic Association for optimal health). Fiber slows the breakdown of foods in your body, which helps moderate the rise of blood sugar after eating a meal. There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble fiber, and both have their own health benefits. Soluble fiber helps bind fecal contents in your gut that can reduce cholesterol. Insoluble fiber helps you have regular bowel movements. The recommended ratio of insoluble fiber to soluble fiber is 3 to 1. Chia seeds have an even mixture of both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Trace Vitamins and Minerals
The Chia seed also offers low amounts of calcium, phosphorous and manganese. Chia seeds should not replace your calcium supplement, but they can contribute to your daily vitamin and mineral intake.
