Food Spotlight: Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica L. Botanically related to the mint family Labiatae originating from Mexico and Guatemala. The nutritional composition of chia seeds include vitamins, protein, omega-3s, minerals, polyphenols, peptides and antioxidants. Research shows chia seeds are great for lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and managing and preventing diabetes. By regulating glycemic load, fiber is able to prevent or manage diabetes as it slows the rate at which blood sugar rises in the body. Good thing chia seeds are loaded with them! The high content of antioxidants, scouts for free radicals in the body that may harm the body. Chia seeds a good amount of omega-3s particularly the α‐linolenic acid form (ALA) form of Omega-3s. ALAs help remove heavy toxic metals from the body such as lead and mercury as well as free roaming excess iron and copper.  

Nutrient Profile

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~ 138 kcal
Protein	4.7 g
Carbohydrates	11.9 g
of which dietary fiber	9.8 g
Sugar	0 g
Total Fat	8.7 g
Saturated fat	0.9 g
Monounsaturated fat	0.7 g
Polyunsaturated fat	6.7 g
Omega-3 (ALA)	~ 5.0 g
Omega-6	~ 1.7 g