Organic Traditions Organic Chia Seeds (Dark) - 454 + 227g FREE

CHIA (SALVIA HISPANICA)
Ch-ch-ch-chia. Did you know that the once popular commercial product known as the chia pet was actually the new super food? That's right, Chia is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants, and both soluble and insoluble fibre. p.s. Please don't eat your chia pet ...

Chia seeds are derived from the plant called Salvia hispanica. Salvia hispanica is a flowering plant in the mint family and is native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. Chia was considered a staple food of the Aztec cultures, who would say that one small serving was all a man needed to run for a day. Australia is now one of the largest producers of chia in the world.

Chia seeds are high in omega 3 fatty acids, found normally from fish sources. It is both qualitatively and quantitatively high in complete protein, both soluble and insoluble fibre, as well as anti-oxidants, magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamin C.

A study conducted on Salba, a specific brand of Chia, found that 3.5 oz of Salba contained as much omega 3 as 28 oz of salmon, as much calcium as 3 cups of milk, and as much iron as 5 cups of raw spinach. Chia is also gluten free, a bonus for those with gluten sensitivities who have a hard time increasing fibre consumption. All that nutrition and it's also low in calories.

Studies have shown its use in the treatment of Type II Diabetes. As a high source of fibre, it regulates blood sugar and insulin release by slowing digestion and therefore preventing the sugar "spikes" that are common after meals. Similarly, chia is said to be complimentary to exercise programs aimed at weight loss, as it keeps individuals feeling satisfied longer and therefore decreases total caloric consumption. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation (It decrease C- reactive protein, a marker of inflammation in our blood.), decrease blood pressure and has blood thinning effects, making it useful in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis, stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Chia can be consumed whole in seed form, ground and added to baking, or sprouted and used in salads and sandwiches. In Mexico, the seeds are soaked until they become gelatinous, and made into a drink called a chia fresco. Be cautious when buying chia that you are buying it from an agriculturally sound company, as to avoid high pesticide consumption.

OMEGA 3 ESSENTIAL FATS
Omega 3 essential fatty acids, ALA, EPA and DHA, are a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids that cannot made denovo (from new) in the body.

They are essential because they have to be taken in through diet, in order to have their many medicinal effects. Both flax and hemp seed/oils are the highest vegetable sources of omega 3, Alpha linolenic acid (ALA), considered a short chain fatty acid.

Fish and fish oils contain EPA and DHA omega, long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. In the human body, under optimal conditions, we can convert a certain amount of ALA to DHA and EPA. However, it is not always the case that we have excess ALA to convert, and it has been shown that our conversion process is very inefficient, converting anywhere from only 5% - 20% of what is needed. Women are said to be slightly more efficient at this conversion process than men.

For vegans, especially, this can make it virtually impossible to get adequate amounts of DHA and EPA. Fish and fish oils are by far the most most easy to find and highest source of these essential fats. That being said, recently, some supplement companies have released an algae based DHA source. Research is also looking into sachi inchi, a plant native to the Amazon rainforest, high in omega 3 fatty acids.

The health benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids,EPA and DHA in particular, have been widely studied and are both numerous and widespread in terms of health promoting actions. In terms of heart health, omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to lower cholesterol, triglycerides and high blood pressure. There has also been significant research dedicated to omega 3 oils, DHA and EPA in particular, and its ability to protect against obesity. It has been shown to help reduce body fat, supporting a healthier BMI and hip to waist circumference ratio. All of these benefits serve to make it useful in terms of treating and preventing heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to have an affinity for the central nervous system, helping to treat and prevent cognitive decline, protect memory, treat depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorders and schizophrenia. They are also an effective treatment for a variety of autoimmune conditions, including SLE, IBD and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have also backed its use in Osteoporosis, Asthma, psoriasis, eczema, and other dermatological disorders, macular degeneration, and PMS. Omega 3 fatty acids, DHA in particular, has been associated with the development of the brain, eyes, and immune system of a growing fetus, as well as decreased risk of low birth weight infants. Supplementation is highly recommended for both maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.