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Loading...Chia Seeds: An Ancient American Super Food
- a Care2 favorite by Brigitte Mars
- 197 comments
Though we’ve all heard of chia pets, it’s less known that the tiny black seed responsible for the chia “fur” is a bona fide nourishing food crop, once cultivated by The Aztecs, and even used as a currency.
Chia (Salvia columbariae, S. hispanica) is a member of the Lamiaceae (Mint) Family. Salvia, the genus name, derives from the Latin salvere, meaning, “to save.” Another well known member of the Salvia genus is sage (Salvia officinalis).
The common name, chia, derives from the Mayan chiabaan, meaning, “strengthening.” The native peoples of the American Southwest for endurance have long used chia seeds, where tribe’s people could run swiftly on a handful of chia seeds and a gourd of water. They are fast becoming a favorite for athletes today. Chia seeds have long been used used to correct constipation being rich in soluble fiber. They are considered an energy tonic that moistens the yin (fluids) of the body enhancing joint activity and sexual health.
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids — even more than flax. The DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) content of the omega 3s enhances immunity and promotes communication between brain cells by allowing enhanced synapse activity. Chias are also rich in protein, (20 percent on a dry weight basis), vitamin B complex (especially niacin (B3) and riboflavinB2), and biotin calcium, potassium and fiber. They also contain immune activating mucopolysaccharides and the antioxidant quercetin. They help to regulate blood sugar levels, thus curbing the desire to overeat. According to Asian Medicine, foods that are naturally black in color support the Kidneys and Bladder.
Read more: Diet & Nutrition, Eating for Health, Food, Health, Aztec, calcium, chia, energy, gluten free, mayan, Native American, omega-3, protein, raw, seed, tonic, vega
Brigitte Mars
Brigitte Mars, a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, is a nutritional consultant who has been working with Natural Medicine for over 40 years. She teaches Herbal Medicine at Naropa University, Boulder College of Massage, and Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts and has a private practice. Brigitte is the author of 12 books, including Rawsome!. Find more healthy living articles, raw food recipes, videos, workshops, books, and more at brigittemars.com. Also check out her international model yogini daughter, Rainbeau at rainbeaumars.com.
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people are talking
Fascinating and useful idea. Will, I am sure, start to make people change their ideas about litteri…
How lovely !! Thank you very much
..feel happy for Billy, but very sad for all other little dogs still looking for a better life with …
who knows ? : )
Gorgeous! Yes to the led lights. Thanks for sharing.
197 comments
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Very informative and valuable page out here. Never heard of this kind of seed before. To know more about germinating seeds? click here
http://farmingeek.org/farming-how-to/how-to-grow-plants-from-seeds/how-to-germinate-seeds
Thank you Brigitte, for Sharing this!
Thanks great information .
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the article.
good information. I eat chia seeds, but didn't realize about soaking them. thank you.
A valuable piece of info. Thanks for sharing.
Patrick Holford was talking about these at an Organic food fair I went to recently but I can't find them in my local health food shop. Where can I get them please? I will definitely be recommending them to our 100 000 members on my website for depression sufferers, www.depressioncanbefun.com, given the proven success of omegas and particularly EPA in lifting mood. Thanks. Helen
Noted with thanks.
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