Chia seeds are native to South America and have been a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries. Today, they draw the interest of many people for their health benefits and uses in cooking. It turns out the South American staple is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants.
I had never heard of chia until a couple of years ago when a health-minded friend started crowing about her latest superfood. "It's loaded with omega-3s; the Aztecs used to grow it," she told me. Intrigued, I wanted to find out if chia truly did deserve the health hype.
Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows abundantly in southern Mexico. You may have seen chia sprouts growing on the novelty planters called Chia Pets, but historically, the seeds have been the most important part of the plant.
Jebb agrees, but with reservations. "It can undermine the concept of dietary variety - one type of food alone will not keep you healthy, we need a wide mix." They are often expensive, she says, and at a time when many of us are struggling to balance the household budget.
http://www.holistikhealth.com/superfoods/buy-organic-chia-seeds.html What is chia? The chia seed health benefits are vast, and this video will explain them in detail. Watch before you buy and chia seeds.
