Remember Chia pets? The pottery that grows? Until recently, and perhaps thanks to this marketing phenomenon, chia seeds weren’t thought of as something edible. But these little seeds pack a lot of health benefits!

What are the health benefits of chia seeds?
Chia seeds are primarily valuable thanks to their essential fatty acid (EFA) content. There are only a few healthy foods that supply omega-3s in our diet. A member of the sage family, chia seeds are one of the best natural sources of omega-3: the gray-black seeds are of higher nutritional quality than the golden variety.

There are actually two EFAs we must obtain from our diet: omega-3s and omega-6s. Omega-6s are easily supplied in our diet; however, omega-3s have been more of a challenge. Chia seeds give us both in one package.

Along with EFAs, chia seeds provide:

  • calcium
  • soluble fiber (aids in relieving constipation)
  • easily digestible protein (20%)
  • antioxidants
  • vitamins B1 and B2
  • minerals

It’s important to find a healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids because they:

  • aid in clotting blood
  • are crucial for cardiovascular health
  • build cell membranes in the brain