chia actually got its name from the mayan word for strength. Ancient mayan warriors attributed their stamina to this tiny but mighty seed.
due to its association with religious practices, the Spanish banned chia seeds upon their arrival in south america. The seed has reemerged in recent years as a superfood due to its high nutritional value.
pound for pound
These seeds are small but hold their own when it comes to nutrient density. That means you get a lot more benefits from the same amount of calories compared to other foods.
holy trinity of nutrition
The combination for a balanced diet comprises of three macronutrients - carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fat. Chia seeds have all three. Nuff said.
gut flora
Chia seeds aren’t just high in vitamins and minerals, they are also high in fibre and help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. A healthy gut is great for digestion and has also been linked to stronger immunity.
bland in taste, not texture
Since the discovery and popularisation of the 6th flavour, umami, chefs all over the world have been looking for ways to access and create this flavour. Chia seeds have, well… nothing to do with umami. Since they have no distinct flavour, they’re often prized for their unique gelatinous texture instead. Searching for something tasty? Look elsewhere.
ch ch ch ch ch chia
The Aztec people not only used chia seeds as food, but also as medicine, oils for body paints and offerings for their gods. The innovative use of chia seeds was revived in the 1980s with Chia Pets*, though the Aztec gods might not recognise that sprouting green hedgehog.
*Chia Pets are decorative terracotta figurine planters used to sprout chia seeds.