Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are extremely high in Omega 3 fatty acids and are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and soluble fiber. One ounce of chia seeds provides eleven grams of fiber. This amount also includes calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin, zinc and the proper ratio of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Chia seeds are rich source of antioxidants containing chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol flavonols. These compounds are both primary and synergistic antioxidants that contribute to the strong antioxidant activity of chia.

Studies show that eating chia seed may slow down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrate calories into simple sugars. This leads scientists to believe that the chia seed may have great benefits for diabetics. In a preliminary study from the University of Toronto (2006), researchers gave 21 diabetics either a supplement made from chia, or grains with similar fiber content. The results were interesting. After three months, blood pressure from the chia group dropped 10 points diastolic and 5 points systolic, while the blood pressure from the grain group remained steady.

Eating the chia seeds also helps dieters by making them feel fuller faster so they will be less hungry. The chia seed gels when becoming wet and this gel, when in our digestive systems, helps prevent some of the food, hence calories that we eat from getting absorbed into our system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes the chia seed a great diet helper.

You do not need to grind chia seeds in order to digest them. It is a relatively easy to digest seed, whereas flax seeds are not. Flax seeds need to be ground for the nutrients to be absorbed by our digestive systems. That is not the case with chia seeds. Unlike flax-seeds, chia seeds can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid.

Chia seeds can be eaten raw as a dietary fiber, omega 3, and antioxidant supplement. Chia seeds soaked in fruit juice are commonly consumed in Mexico and known as chia fresca. The soaked seeds are gelatinous in texture and are used in porridges and puddings. Taste-wise, chia seeds have a slight nutty flavor, and are a healthful addition to the diet.

Our Chia seeds are raw, Non-GMO, non-irradiated, and cultivated without pesticides. Try them and we know you’ll enjoy them.

Suggested Uses: Add to cereal, yogurt or salads or soak in chilled fruit juice to make delicious chia fresca. Can also be mixed into flour when making breads, muffins and other baked goods.

Botanical Name: Salvia hispanica

Other Names: Chia Herb, Chia Sage, Indian Running Food

Origin: Mexico

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the best raw and organic products available. Our Black Chia Seeds pass our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals, and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalfoods.com offers Black Chia Seeds packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your Black Chia Seeds in a cool, dark, dry place.