Chia

Health Benefits:

Aids in digestion
Aids in weight loss
Anti fungal
May regulate blood sugar
Promotes heart health

Nutrition:

Serving size: 1 oz; Calories: 138; Fat: 9g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 5mg; Carbs: 12g; Fiber:10g;  Sugars: 0g; Protein: 4.7g; Potassium: 3%DV; Vitamin A: 0%DV; Vitamin C: 0%DV; Calcium: 17%DV; Iron: 12%DV

Did You Know?

• Good news for all of you celiac disease sufferers: chia seeds are gluten free!
• High poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Compose an healthy proportion of omega-3 to 6 poly-unsaturated fats; in the recommended ratio of 1:4.
• Chia was the third most important crop in the aztec emppire; Aztec warriors are believed to have sutained themselves on just a tablespoon of chia seeds a day.
• Chia seeds are said to have:
  • 2 times the protein of any other seed or grain
  • 5 times the calcium of milk
  • 2 times the potassium as bananas
  • 3 times the antioxidant strength of blueberries
  • 3 ttimes more iron than spinach
  • more omega-3 fatty acids than any other plant food

Ways to Eat:

• Sprinkled on a salad
• In granola
• Soacked in water or other juices
• Oatmeal
• Shake or smoothie

Farming Trivia:

• Chia is native to Central and southern Mexico and Guatamala.
• Evidence shows that chia was cultivated by Aztecs in pre-Columbian times.
• Chia seeds can be  planted any time of the year as long as it doesn't freeze!