Chia Seeds might be nature's perfect food with a rich supply of essential Omega-3 acids, protein, antioxidants and a very good source of fiber and manganese. Chia seeds are low in sodium and cholesterol-free.

Did you know that Chia Seeds have 5 times more calcium than milk? Or that Chia Seeds contain 50% more protein than spinach? Chia contains 6 times more iron than spinach.

Chia Seeds have about 8 times more Omega-3s than salmon!

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What are Chia Seeds?

Chia Sage (Salvia hispanica) Oil is the richest natural source of botanical Omega-3 fatty acids. The Omega Tree High Potency Omega-3 supplement is guaranteed to contain at least 60% omega 3. This compares favorably to other sources such as Flaxseed oil (55%) and hempseed oil (22%). These acids promote cardiovascular and mental health and benefit many body functions.

Where are Chia Seeds grown?

Chia originated in Mexico and now grow in Mexico and in Central and South Americas.

What's in Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds typically contain about 20 percent protein, 30% fat and 40% carbohydrates. The fat contains a very high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids.
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How are Chia Seeds used?

Chia Seeds are mild tasting and easily digestible. The shells are easily broken and can even be swallowed whole.

Chia won't alter the taste of foods when it's used as an ingredient. It can be sprinkled on cereal or eaten as a snack. Grinding Chia produces a meal called pinole, which can be mixed with flour into baked goods like biscuits, cakes and breads.

Soaked seeds are gelatinous and used in porridges and puddings. The seeds can be soaked in water or fruit juice creating a drink known in Mexico as chia fresca.
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What are the benefits of Chia Seeds?

High In Omega-3 Acids.
Chia seed has higher levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) than flax seed. ALA is an essential acid because it is not produced by the body. In fact, chia seeds have the highest known whole-food source levels of Omega-3 acids, as measured by percent of weight.

Rich In Antioxidants.
Chia is a great natural source of antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin and flavonols.

Full of Important Nutrients.
Chia is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, iron, zinc and copper.

Low In Sodium and Cholesterol-Free.
Chia contains less than half the sodium of flax seed, per serving. This is important to those with high blood pressure and concerned about sodium intake. As a plant-based source of Omega-3, Chia is cholesterol-free.

Promotes Hydration.
Chia soaks up water and this promotes hydration and electrolytes retention.

Helps in Weight Loss.
Chia is very filling and there's less room for fattening foods.

Builds Endurance.
The Mayan word for Chia is “strength.” Chia builds stamina and endurance because it steadily releases slow-burning glucose into the bloodstream.

Gluten-Free.
The protein in chia seed is gluten free.

Stays Fresh.
Unlike flax seed, chia seed stays fresh for extended periods of time.

Supplement Facts

Serving size: 28g
Servings Per Container: 24

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 138
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0g
Sodium: 5g
Total Carbohydrate: 12g
Fiber: 11g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 4g

Calcium: 176mg
Iron: 5mg
Magnesium: 130mg
Phosphorus: 265mg
Potassium: 45mg
Zinc: 1mg

Where to buy from:

1. http://www.goodcausewellness.com/servlet/Detail?no=8
2. http://www.theomegatree.com/
3. http://www.integratedhealth.com/hpdspec/chia.html

http://www.eatchia.com/

In pre-Columbian times chia was one of the 4 basic foods of Central American Aztec & Mayan civilizations: amaranth, beans, chia, and corn. Tenochtitlan, the Capital of the Aztec Empire, received between 5,000 and 15,000 tons of chia as an annual tribute from conquered nations. Chia seed was not just a food, but was also used for medical purposes and as an offering to the Aztec gods.

Chia has a long history as a human food, starting with its domestication by ancient Mexicans in 2,600 B.C.

The use of chia in pagan religious ceremonies caused the Spanish conquistadors to replace it by species brought from the old world. The conquistadors came close to being successful in their crusade against New World practices such as growing chia and practicing various customs, as many disappeared. Corn and beans were an exception. They survived the conquistador's efforts and became 2 of the world's most important crops. However, because of its religious use, and maybe because chia was unable to adapt to production under European climatic conditions, it was forgotten.

http://www.integratedhealth.com/recipes/How-To-Use-Chia.html