Blog # 137
My first exposure to chia was the silly but iconic television commercial for the chia pet that touted pottery figures that sprouted green fur: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzY7qQFij_M
Little did I know that chia was so much more than just a fluffy friend! Botanically speaking, chia is a flowering plant that is in the mint family (Salvia hispanica). In recent years, chia has made it to prime time and been seemingly transformed from curious plant to power food, now thought of as a little seed that packs a wallop of a nutritional punch. These tiny, oval, brown seeds have become very popular among the foodie and health enthusiast crowds.
Although chia seems to be the trendy seed-du jour super-food, its use actually dates back to the Aztec civilization, where it was broadly cultivated and used as a tribute to the gods. Currently, Australia is the leading chia producer in the world, followed by Mexico, Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Guatemala.
Chia seeds are a concentrated nutritional source, being high in fiber, protein, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, anti-oxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. They are a terrific alternative to fish oil and seafood for those seeking omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
Chia can be eaten as a snack or, alternatively, used as an ingredient to add to recipes. The seeds are ideally suited to add to yogurt because of their “crunch factor” and are useful in smoothies to add texture and nutritional energy. The seeds can be dissolved in water to make an energy gel, which also can be used as an egg substitute for baked goods. Additionally, the seeds can be pulverized and used as a flour substitute.
Bottom line: Chia has come a long way from the days of the chia pets. Consider adding it to your diet to reap its nutritional benefits.
Reference: Discover the Chia, Harry Dowden, Bergen Health and Life
Andrew Siegel, M.D.
Facebook Page: Our Greatest Wealth Is Health Please visit page and “like”: www.facebook.com/promisceating
You Tube page: www.youtube.com/incontinencedoc
Author of Finding Your Own Fountain of Youth: The Essential Guide For Maximizing Health, Wellness, Fitness & Longevity (free electronic download) www.findyourfountainofyouth.com
Author of Promiscuous Eating: Understanding and Ending Our Self-Destructive Relationship with Food: www.promiscuouseating.com
Author of: Male Pelvic Fitness: Optimizing Sexual and Urinary Health; in press and available in e-book and paperback formats in 2014.
Blog subscription: A new blog is posted every week. On the lower right margin you can enter your email address to subscribe and receive notifications of new posts in your inbox. Please feel free to avail yourself of these educational materials and share them with your friends and family.
Tags: Andrew Siegel MD, chia, nutritional source, power food, Salvia hispanica, superfood
Our Greatest Wealth Is Health 
Leave a Reply