Chia Seeds: Superfood? - The Benefits of the Chia Plant Go Beyond Mere Amusement

Who knew that chia seeds (yes, ch-ch-ch-chia seeds) are a great source of essential omega-3 fatty acids?

I didn't, until a friend gave me a reference on the subject of chia nutrition.

In addition to producing an omega-3 rich oil, chia seeds can be consumed whole, usually soaked in water to form a porridge or gruel, or ground into flour (along with corn) and used in baking.

Sprouts of the chia plant, similar to alfalfa sprouts in texture and appearance (as many a Chia Pet owner may know), can also be consumed raw.

As a food, chia nutrition is big in Mexico and South/Central America. In fact, the Mexican state of Chiapas is named after the chia plant.

In America, the chia superfood is not consumed, but rather used as a novelty by people in the form of the "chia pet" - clay figurines on which chia seeds are sprouted to simulate hair growth on an animal or human head.

The benefits of chia oil are the same as flaxseed oil benefits. Both are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, the omega-3 precursor of essential oils DHA and EPA required for cell membranes, heart health, and optimal nervous system function. Although not as easily metabolized as fish oil, plant omega-3s offer an alternative to fish oil for vegetarians or people allergic to fish.

Chia oil may be superior to flaxseed oil in terms of omega-3 fat content.

I don't know of any chia recipes offhand, but you can plant a chia herb garden and use chia sprouts in salad. You can call it "ch-ch-ch-chia health food."

Vegan Chia Seed Oil - 90 softgels Chia seed oil is a naturally vegan health food that has tremendous nutritional value. Chia seed contains a high amount of oil and is known to be the richest vegan source for essential omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid). Chia seed contains three to ten times the omega-3 content of most other seeds and nuts.