Cha Cha Chia… pets? Or Food?

Chia seeds are most familiar to us via the Television commercials for “chacha chia pets”! For centuries these little seeds were used by the Indians of the southwest and Mexico and the name “chia” comes from the Mayan word for strength.  This little seed was known to them as the “runners” food as it provides high energy. Chia is an awesome source of omega 3 fatty acid providing healthy skin, nails, hair, improving mental function, reducing cardiovascular disease, reducing symptoms of hyper, depression, joint pain and other rheumatoid problems.  In addition, chia provides calcium for bones, boron for calcium support and brain function , protein higher than many other grains, and is a complete protein plus 18 amino acids, rich source of fiber, both soluble fiber which helps with cardiovascular disease, cholesterol levels and some cancers and insoluble fiber which helps with cancers of the breast and colon. Chia is also an antioxidant which known to help with free radical damage in the body. Chia is hydrophilic meaning it absorbs large amounts of water that in turn hydrates the A helps to slow down how fast out body converts carbohydrates into simple sugars which is beneficial for diabetics. Lastly, chia helps with digestion which helps to encourage weight loss.