What is chia!

For those of you new to the chia revolution, let me explain what chia is, and just as importantly, what it isn’t.

Chia, or more accurately, chia seed, is from the plant Salvia Hispanica L., which is a member of the mint family.  It has been used by humans as a food source for over 10,000 years.  The Aztecs were some of the first humans to utilize this amazing seed.

Native to southern Mexico, Central and South America, this edible seed is a superior source of many nutrients compared to other seeds and grains.  Since it is a whole food, not a supplement, it is safe for virtually everyone to eat.  It also doesn’t have any known allergies.

So why is chia just now coming on the scene? Simple, once the Spanish conquered the Aztecs, they forced societal changes on the natives which included what they ate and what they farmed.  As such, the cultivation of chia ended in most areas.  Chia continued to grow wild, and many isolated tribes continued to utilize this amazing source of protein, vitamins and minerals.

In the 1980’s health-conscious individuals, looking for natural, healthy food, rediscovered chia.  It has taken time for the use of chia to reach the mainstream, but with recent research studies that show the amazing benefits of this tiny seed, chia is now making it’s mark on the natural, whole food market.

Chia was known as the “Indian Running Food” by the Aztec Warriors due to its ability to provide beneficial nutrients and energy.  The Aztec culture so prized this seed that it was used as a currency at times.  It was also utilized for other medicinal purposes, such as a poultice for wounds, treatment for colds, constipation and even stomach aches.

The bottom line is that chia is a great source of essential nutrients.  It is cost-effective and provides a great source of vitamins and minerals with no known side-effects.  It isn’t a supplement.  It is a whole food that is very versatile, making it easy to incorporate into your daily diet.

Chia isn’t a cure-all.  It won’t cure any disease by itself, but it is a great way to increase essential nutrient intake in an easy, cost-effective way.  If you haven’t tried chia yet, give it a shot and let me know what you think.

~ by chiatruth on November 5, 2008.