Chia is the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, and contains natural antioxidants.

Chia’s omega-3 fatty acid stability arises because of the abundant natural antioxidants that are in the seed.

This is an advantage compared with marine products, since these foods require special packaging and storage conditions to prevent even minor degradation occurring over time. Flaxseed must be ground and used immediately, since oxidation has been shown to be a problem with this seed, especially once it has been milled.

Chia also is an excellent source of protein as well as soluble and insoluble fiber, is simple to use, has essentially no flavor, and is safe for both humans and animals having been declared as a food by the FDA in 2005.

The easiest ways to incorporate chia into your diet is to add it to your morning juice or smoothie, mix in your yogurt or sprinkle on your salad. Simply put, add it to anything you normally consume.

Have You Had Your CHIA Today?®

Chia’s potential health benefits.

Omega-3 fatty acid and fiber have both been shown to serve as heart healthy components in food, while omega-3 fatty acid and antioxidants are both anti-inflammatory so they can lessen joint pain associated with many ailments.

As the seed is very hydrophilic (absorbs 7 to 10 times its weight in water) it helps slow digestion and can result in more energy later in the day and in some cases provide a “full” sensation, which tends to help with weight loss

Chia is a sustainable and environmentally friendly product.

The high oil content of chia’s leaves acts as an extremely potent insect repellent and eliminates the need for pesticides. Chia is a member of the mint family and is technically known as Salvia hispanica L. If you have ever grown mint, you know insects never bother it; the same is true for chia.

The use of chia as an omega-3 source prevents depletion of fish stocks, and also eliminates concerns about the accumulation of toxins such as dioxin and mercury that may accumulate in fish and fish products.

Have You Had Your CHIA Today?®

Essential Fatty Acids - What are they?

Essential fatty acids are nutrients that you must consume, since your body does not, and cannot make them on its own.

Omega-3 is one essential fatty acid. Interestingly, only the short chain form of omega3 fatty acid, called ALA (alpha-linolenic fatty acid), not DHA or EPA, is considered essential.

Why?

This is because the body can convert ALA into the other two forms of omega-3.

Chia is the highest plant source of omega-3.  Being a food derived from plants, all types of consumers (gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, meat lovers, etc.) can safely enjoy chia.

Have you had your chia today?®

Chia as a SUPERFOOD

What makes a food, a SUPERFOOD?

There is no technical nor scientific definition for what constitutes a superfood. However the term superfood is commonly used to describe a food with high nutrient or phytochemical content, that may confer health benefits, and having few properties considered to be negative, such as being high in saturated fats or artificial ingredients, food additives or contaminants. The Oxford English Dictionary includes citations for superfood as being "a food considered especially nutritious or otherwise beneficial to health and well-being.”

Given the above statements, chia could rightly be called a superfood since it:

1.  is nutrient-rich

2.  contains health promoting nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants)

3.  contains phytonutrients (plant based nutrients)

4.  is low in saturated fats and has no artificial ingredients or additives

Have you had your chia today?®

My New Book at Barnes at Noble

Chia Lovers

The street teams were out in NY, Chicago, Philly, SF and Seattle May 1 and 2 handing out cards and samples of Chia-2-Go packs® to advertize the launch of my new book entitled "CHIA: The Complete Guide to the Ultimate Superfood".

The book will be discounted 30% in all Barnes and Noble stores May 1-7.

Here is a photo of the book on display in the Arlington Texas store.