Many people say that they eat chia seeds as part of their healthy diet. Here, we will learn more about chia seed health benefits.

Chia seed, a member the mint family, was once a staple food of the Aztec diet. Christopher McDougall, the author of Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe and Superathletes and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen describes a fermented energy beverage that contains chia.

Chia seed are a whole, unprocessed grain. They can be eaten whole or ground up and have a mild, nuanced flavor. Chia seed contain 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon. Although chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acid, they are short-chain, which is less absorbable than the long-chain found in marine sources.

Chia seeds are 70 calories per tablespoon. They also contain 4.5 grams of fat, 5 grams fiber and 2.5 grams of protein. Due to the high concentration of calories, it is important to accurately measure chia seeds when you add them to yogurt, hot cereals, salads, or baked goods. Chia is often promoted in advertisements as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid and fiber. This market interest is far greater than the published research about the benefits of chia seeds.

Some Facts!

Although chia has been shown to lower LDL (the bad) cholesterol and triglycerides in animals, it has not been proven in humans.

It is also a good source for fiber so you can add it to your smoothies and breakfast cereals. We recommend that you price different Chia seeds products at your local grocery store if you decide to do this.

This Healthy Vegetarian Stir Fry with Ginger, Garlic, and Chia Seed Recipe offers an opportunity to include chia seed into your diet.

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Article by Jill Turner, President Cooper Concepts