It's an exclamation that many people are familiar with thanks to the catchy “Chia Pet” jingle. It's a product you may know as a last-minute Christmas present, as it's often stacked next to fruitcake.
But there’s more to chia than meets the eye. This tiny seed is no longer just a holiday fixture thanks to growing hype surrounding its health benefits. Chia seeds are increasingly touted as a super-food, weight loss supplement, and more. If you want to add healthy, mineral-rich foods to your diet, you’re strongly advised to take a closer look at the chia seed.
What Is Chia Exactly?
Chia, also known as Salvia hispanica L., is a domestically-grown herb. Chia seeds are small, flat, and oval-shaped. They are very small with a smooth texture, and can be white, brown, or black in color.
A member of the mint family, this plant's seeds remain a traditional food staple in Central and South America. Considering the food’s lengthy history in the region, it’s not too surprising.
Chia Seeds: Secret Weapon For Aztec Warriors?
Chia seeds were very popular with the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans many centuries ago. According to Diana Allen, MS, CNS, a clinical nutritionist, and author of Chia Seed, these cultures valued Chia seeds as a source of energy and for medicinal use.