Chia Seeds: Supercharged With Amazing Benefits

Who would have thought that little chia pet you had growing up on your dresser in your room was actually a powerhouse of nutrients you could eat!

Yes, the mighty chia seed has quite a reputation of staggering health benefits. Salvia hispanica, or chia, is a flowering plant in the mint family. Chia seed originated in Mexico and South America, and was known to be a staple in ancient Mayan and Aztec diets. It now is commercially grown in Mexico, however the largest producer is Australia. This 3-foot, annual herb is very popular in the southern states and is now becoming more and more known due to its wonderful health properties.

Chia seeds are high in vitamin and mineral content (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc), omegas, protein and fiber.

They also are inexpensive and essentially a perfect food to add to your diet.

Chia is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, even more than flax seeds. They are so rich in antioxidants, the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for long periods of time without going rancid. They do not have to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body, which makes them easier to incorporate into your foods than flax seeds.

Many dieters also love the chia seed as they can be added to any food or drink and will not change the taste. Because the carbohydrates are released slowly, the body feels full and this can be an effective way to control the appetite.

Chia seeds are an easy item to start putting into your diet right away. Just one tablespoon a day can make a huge impact on your road to health. Here are a few easy recipes to get you started!