Natures’ Heritage^SM Plant of the Month

"Are Chia Seeds The Perfect Superfood?"

In South America, as far back as 3000 BC, Chia Seeds (Salvia Hispanica) had been a staple of daily nutrition and commerce in Pre-Columbian societies. In Mayan and Aztec life, the seed was so important, it was incorporated into religious ceremonies and tribal trading, even having the harvest time for the seeds outlined in ancient Aztec calendars. It seems it only took modern day humans another 5000 years to revive the importance for these super seeds which are truly amazing and whose health benefits are still being discovered. It may be the single best all around food!.

Consider these facts about Chia seeds:

• 2.5 times more protein than kidney beans
• 3 times the antioxidant strength of blueberries
• 3 times more iron than spinach
• - 6 times more calcium than milk
• 7 times more vitamin C than oranges
• 8 times more omega-3 than salmon
• 10 times more fiber than rice
• 15 times more magnesium than broccoli

Because they have a mild taste, the seeds can be added to any variety of meals, said Wayne Coates, author of Chia: The Complete Guide to the Ultimate Superfood. Sprinkle them on yogurt or salad, add them to smoothies or juice, use milled seeds for baking or soak the seeds until they form a gel that can be added to a variety of recipes.

Chia is a nutritional powerhouse, according to Dr. Coates, professor emeritus in arid lands studies at the University of Arizona, who earned a PhD in agricultural engineering. He says the seeds are loaded with vitamins and minerals, are an excellent source of fibre, protein and antioxidants, and are the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of chia seeds could help reduce joint pain, aid in weight loss, deliver an energy boost and protect against serious ailments such as diabetes and heart disease.

The seeds are gluten-free, which also makes them appealing to people with celiac disease or an aversion to gluten.

For the complete article on chia seeds and their beneficial nutrients visit the following website:
PreventDisease.com: Are Chia Seeds The Perfect Superfood?

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