!44: Omega-3 Sources: Chia Pet Farms Growing in Number

!±8± Omega-3 Sources: Chia Pet Farms Growing in Number

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia is probably the most annoying song ever invented to sell a product. Although, it has produced millions of dollars in sales over the last 30+ years that it has been used. Each year around the Holidays, Chia Pets begin to show up on television, in stores, and on the Internet. It is almost impossible to get away from them, but what is a chia and what exactly does it do? Is there a reason for this most annoying animal to have a place in my heart, my joints, and my brain? Yes, there is! One of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained by eating the chia seeds.

The Chia is an edible seed derived from the plant salvia hispanica, and is a member of the mint family and grows abundantly in southern Mexico. The seeds remain component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and were used by Aztec warriors as survival rations. Aztec culture relates that the Chia seed help to relieve joint pain and skin ailments.

Chia seeds contained more omega-3 fatty acids than flax seeds. There are fewer antioxidants in the seeds and this fact alone allows them to be stored for long periods of time without spoiling. The nutrients within the Chia seed is available to the body without having to be transformed by grinding or cooking. 1 tablespoon provides nearly 7 g of fiber as well as calcium, manganese, copper, iron, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus. They are easily incorporated into drinks and recipes. A common during in Mexico and Central America known as "Chia Fresca" is made by combining the seeds with water and lemon or lime and sugar. The seeds may also be used in baking, as a topping for silent, or just eaten raw.

The ease with which the Chia plant is grown the stability of the seeds and the simplicity of preparation has brought this plant back from years of neglect. After the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs the cultivation of Chia seeds was banned due to its close association with the Aztec religion. Commercial growth has resumed in the last decade in the seeds have become more plentiful and health stores around the world. The addition of Chia seeds to the diet of poultry and cattle leads to an increase in omega-3 fatty acids that are produced in these common meets.

Chia seeds help to reduce food cravings by preventing some types of food especially fatty foods from being absorbed into the system. Because they contain essential fatty acids that also allow the body to feel fuller as they are able to absorbed more than 10 times their weight in water. This "Chia gel" can also provide hydration for the body. Because of the high level of omega-3 fatty acids the seeds have the possibility of reducing your blood pressure protect against inflammation in the joints and reducing possibility of coronary heart disease. Chia seeds actually contain more of omega-3 fatty acid than wild caught salmon. There is evidence that she is seeds can help to control diabetes as the seeds the body's ability to convert carbohydrates into simple sugars. The seeds require very little effort to prepare and put very little stress on the digestive system in order to absorb their nutrients.

Chia pets are not only fun to have around they are good for you also. So the next time you hear that annoying little song think of all the healthy benefits that cute little bust of Bart Simpson growing hair or a little Chia dog can bring to your entire family.