Organic Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are the edible seeds of a desert plant (Salvia hispanica) native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. The Mayan word for “strength,” chia was a dietary staple of the Mayans and Aztecs, who used it to increase strength, energy, and stamina. Even today it is often referred to as “runner’s food.” Indeed, chia is a concentrated source of energy-producing carbohydrates and numerous vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and inflammation-fighting fatty acids. With an impressive array of health-promoting compounds – all packed into tiny black and white seeds that are incredibly simple to work with – chia is becoming a dietary staple in the modern food world.

Calcium-Rich Chia Builds a Strong Body: Chia seeds are an excellent source of energy, with about 12 grams of carbohydrate and nearly 5 grams of protein packed into a single ounce (28 g). They are also a good source of minerals, including blood-building iron, stress- relieving magnesium, and bone-building calcium. In fact, a 28 g serving of dried chia seeds boasts a striking 179 milligrams of calcium – nearly 20 percent of the average adult’s daily needs – and more than the amount in a ½-cup (120 ml) serving of milk. And although a mere ounce of these little seeds contains more than 8 grams of fat, more than 80 percent of that fat is in the form of heart-healthy polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, like alpha-linolenic acid. In addition to its healthful fats, chia is also an incredibly good source of dietary fiber. It contains about 10 grams of fiber per 28 g—30 to 40 percent of your daily needs. And because these little fiber-rich seeds also have the unique ability to expand when added to water, some experts believe that in the stomach, they may slow the digestion and release of sugar into the bloodstream, benefiting those looking to lose weight and control blood sugars.

Fiber May Benefit Blood Sugars: Chia seeds may help improve blood sugars and risk factors associated with heart disease. Some animal studies have shown that chia-enriched diets may improve insulin resistance, normalize blood lipids, and even reduce the accumulation of visceral fat (the fat surrounding the organs) in the body. In a study published in 2007 in Diabetes Care, researchers found that adding about 37 grams to the diets of adults with type 2 diabetes reduced systolic blood pressure and markers of inflammation compared to the control group. And in a small study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2010, researchers found that adults who consumed a chia-enriched bread – which contained varying amounts of chia up to 24 grams (approximately 2 tablespoons) – had dose-dependent reductions in blood sugar levels after eating (meaning that the more chia baked into the bread, the greater the effect).

Direct Sourcing

It’s very easy and cheap to find non-organic chia seeds, they are everywhere! However, at Superfoods we ensure that our chia seeds are certified organic, guaranteed to have been grown organically, free from any chemicals and non-irradiated.

Ingredients: 100% organic chia seeds
Product of South America

Directions

Create a quick chia porridge base by adding water and waiting 5 minutes while the chia expands to 10 times its volume. Add chia seeds directly to your smoothies or juices, mix it into soups or sauces as a thickener, create power-packed energy bars, crackers or delicious creamy desserts. Recommended 1 teaspoon – 1 tablespoon daily.