Amazing Superfoods: What Are Chia Seeds?
Superfoods come and go mainly because scientific research cannot back up the anecdotal evidence behind the claims.
And then here come chia seeds that health experts and satisfied consumers are touting to be the next big thing in superfoods, a claim that elicits doubt considering the track record of other so-called superfoods.
Let's then look at the scientific information regarding the chia seed.
An Important Crop, Then and Now These highly-nutritious seeds come from a flowering plant known as chia, a species belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and with the scientific name of Salvia hispanica.
Its places of origin are Guatemala and Mexico particularly in the latter's central and southern regions; in both places, the seeds are still widely used as a nutritious food source as well as added to beverages.
The benefits of chia seeds were discovered by the pre-Columbian Aztecs, evidence of which was provided by a 16th-century codex.
In fact, the plant itself was considered an important crop of the day just as it is now in the health community.
An Annual Herb The plant from which the seeds are derived is an annual herb that can grow as tall as a meter.
It is characterized by opposite leaves measuring 4 to 8 centimeters long and 3 to 5 centimeters wide while its flowers range in color from white to purple, which are then arranged in spikes.
The colors of the flowers determine the colors of the chia seeds.
It must be emphasized, however, that both types contain similar nutritional values and, thus, provide for similar health benefits to their users.
Purple flowers yield brown seeds of different hues albeit usually in mottled patterns, which are called "black chia" in the industry.
White flowers yield only "white seeds" although a single white chia seed will have a marbled mixture combining white, yellow and gray hues.
A Nutritious Seed Chia seeds are touted as a superfood and for great reasons, too.
These seeds may be tiny - just 1 millimeter - but pack a nutritional punch that far exceeds those of blueberries.
Let's take a look at the macronutrients, micronutrients and antioxidants in these seeds.
• Omega-3 fatty acids including α-linolenic acid (ALA), which are proven to reduce the risks of heart disease, strokes and other cardiovascular disorders • Protein, which is necessary for building muscles • Fiber, which is essential in good digestion • Minerals like phosphorus, calcium, manganese, sodium and potassium, all of which are vital for the maintenance of good health • Antioxidants particularly anthocyanins, which aid in lessening free radical damage on the body Plus, chia seeds have no cholesterol content! Because of such high nutritional value, these seeds have been used in applications as diverse as health maintenance and weight loss.
And then here come chia seeds that health experts and satisfied consumers are touting to be the next big thing in superfoods, a claim that elicits doubt considering the track record of other so-called superfoods.
Let's then look at the scientific information regarding the chia seed.
An Important Crop, Then and Now These highly-nutritious seeds come from a flowering plant known as chia, a species belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and with the scientific name of Salvia hispanica.
Its places of origin are Guatemala and Mexico particularly in the latter's central and southern regions; in both places, the seeds are still widely used as a nutritious food source as well as added to beverages.
The benefits of chia seeds were discovered by the pre-Columbian Aztecs, evidence of which was provided by a 16th-century codex.
In fact, the plant itself was considered an important crop of the day just as it is now in the health community.
An Annual Herb The plant from which the seeds are derived is an annual herb that can grow as tall as a meter.
It is characterized by opposite leaves measuring 4 to 8 centimeters long and 3 to 5 centimeters wide while its flowers range in color from white to purple, which are then arranged in spikes.
The colors of the flowers determine the colors of the chia seeds.
It must be emphasized, however, that both types contain similar nutritional values and, thus, provide for similar health benefits to their users.
Purple flowers yield brown seeds of different hues albeit usually in mottled patterns, which are called "black chia" in the industry.
White flowers yield only "white seeds" although a single white chia seed will have a marbled mixture combining white, yellow and gray hues.
A Nutritious Seed Chia seeds are touted as a superfood and for great reasons, too.
These seeds may be tiny - just 1 millimeter - but pack a nutritional punch that far exceeds those of blueberries.
Let's take a look at the macronutrients, micronutrients and antioxidants in these seeds.
• Omega-3 fatty acids including α-linolenic acid (ALA), which are proven to reduce the risks of heart disease, strokes and other cardiovascular disorders • Protein, which is necessary for building muscles • Fiber, which is essential in good digestion • Minerals like phosphorus, calcium, manganese, sodium and potassium, all of which are vital for the maintenance of good health • Antioxidants particularly anthocyanins, which aid in lessening free radical damage on the body Plus, chia seeds have no cholesterol content! Because of such high nutritional value, these seeds have been used in applications as diverse as health maintenance and weight loss.
