Salvia hispanica, also known as chia, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. It was cultivated by the Aztec in pre-Columbian times; it also seemed to be as important as maize as a food crop. Ground or whole chia seeds are still used in Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Mexico and Guatemala for nutritious drinks and as a source food. Steadily, chia seeds have spread all across the world.

Traditionally, chia seeds were used commonly by the Aztec and Mayans as a basic food source. Chia translates to “Strength” in the ancient Mayan language. The Aztec warriors always carried chia seeds and water with them, to be instantly provided with energy and satiation when needed. The capital of the Aztec empire, Tenochtitlan, received from 5,000 to 15,000 tons of chia seeds from other conquered nations, as a form of tax. Beside its culinary usage, chia seeds held medicinal purposes and were used as an offering to the Aztec deities.

Chia seeds possess many health benefits, some of which include controlling diabetes, lowering cholesterol levels, improving the digestive system, boosting heart health, controlling heprtension and contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Chia seeds contain moisture, energy, protein, fat, carbonhydrates, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. They are vitamin rich, containing Vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin E. They are also cholesterol free. They are an excellent antioxidant source. They contain very high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. The antioxidants present in chia seeds are flavonol glycosides, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and linolenic acid. These antioxidant help protect the body against free radical damage throughout.

When the outer shell of chia comes in contact with water or other liquids, they expand and become gel-like. It is often used to replace eggs in baking. Chia seeds are gluten-free, so they can easily be introduced to many recipes. When added to reciped, they add only 190 calories per serving. This makes them a perfect addition to many foods since they expand and help keep a person's appetite satisfied. Chia seeds can be added in many foods without alterning the taste. Since they don't need to be ground to achieve the benefits they offer, they can be sprinkled on salads and added to most foods. They can also be used in yogurt, oatmeal, bread, puddings, crackers and soups. To soften the chia and achieve a consistency that allows them to be added to liquids, water or milk needs to be added, and the mixture needs to be left to sit for fifteen minutes. Milk and honey alone can be added to the seeds to make a tasty, sweet pudding. They can also be added to smoothies.

Medicinal Applications:

The starches and carbonhydrates present in chia seeds are released slowly in comparison to conventional diets and are therefore ideal for diabetics as blood sugar level would not surge soon after having meals. A slower release of sugars into the blood stream can aid in optimum absorption of these sugars by each of the cells in the body. For that reason, it is believed chia seeds help diminish the need for insulin.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, apart from certain types of fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids required by the body and help to enable many bodily functions. They also help in controlling arthritis, osteoporosis, age-related dementia and fatigue, among many other conditions.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.