Chia Seeds 101

Nutiva’s Organic Chia Seeds are small and dark colored, crunchy and non-glutinous seeds. They offer a rich source of pure plant protein, beneficial antioxidants, essential Omega-3 fatty acids, and important dietary soluble and insoluble fiber. The chia seed’s numerous health benefits make these “super seeds” a favorite amongst health conscious eaters.

The chia seed (Salvia hispanica L) is a traditional South American crop—it has been revered for thousands of years and evidence discovered by archaeologists suggests chia seeds were in use by humans as early as 3500 BCE.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of essential minerals such as phosphorous, manganese, calcium, sodium and potassium. The chia seed has a number of powerful antioxidants, which are molecules that inhibit the damaging oxidative process on cells, including caffeic and chlorogenic acids, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. All of the antioxidants in chia seeds have been linked to reducing the signs of aging and decreasing the risk of certain diseases including several types of cancer.

The chia seed is also a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids—containing more Omega-3 than flax seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in healthy cholesterol levels, heart health, brain function, healthy hair and skin, and have been linked to boosting mood and treating certain types of depression.

When choosing chia seeds, organic is the way to go. Conventional chia seed products are commonly exposed to harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides such as organophosphates, which have been linked to a number of health risks. The use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers on crops are not only toxic when consumed, but they also devastate ground water and can be harmful to animal and plant life.

Nutiva chia seeds can be consumed dried, like poppy seeds, or they can be soaked in liquid, like tapioca and used as a gel.