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Rich in antioxidants, omega-3 and complete, high-quality protein, chia is a perfect food for athletes and for anybody who needs energy, strength and endurance. Not only does it produce energy, it also builds up the body to use this energy efficiently.  

The word 'chia' came from the Mayan word 'chian' meaning 'oily,' referring to its rich Omega-3 oil content. According to historical manuscripts, the Aztecs, Mayans, and American Indians ate the seeds of this semi-tropical plant to improve their strength and endurance. They called chia their "running food" because these lightweight seeds reportedly could support their messengers, hunters and traders through all day trekking.

Energy & Endurance Builder

Chia contains one of nature's most powerful antioxidant+anti-inflammatory compound--quercetin. A recent study by researchers at the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health shows that quercetin significantly boosts endurance capacity and maximal oxygen capacity in healthy, active but untrained men and women.

Dr. Mark Davis, the study’s lead author and a professor of exercise science, said quercetin has been found to fight fatigue which has important implications for athletes and soldiers whose energy and performance are tested to the extreme. It also has the potential to benefit average adults who battle fatigue and stress daily, he said.

“The natural, biological properties of quercetin that include powerful antioxidant and anti-imflammatory activity, as well as the ability to boost the immune system and increase mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) in muscle and brain is great news for those who often think that they’re too tired to exercise,” Davis said.

“While there’s no magic pill to make people get up and move, or to take the place of regular exercise, quercetin may be important in relieving the fatigue that keeps them sedentary and in providing some of the benefits of exercise,” he said. “We believe that this could be a major breakthrough in nutrition.”

Omega-3 essential fatty acid, a major nutritive value for which chia is also famous for, has been documented to improve the following athletic performances:

• Increased bench-press repetitions 
• Faster running times  
• Reduced muscular inflammation  
• Longer jumping distances  

Scientists believe that these improvements were due to the effects of omega-3's anti-inflammatory action, enhanced oxygen metabolism, lowered blood viscosity (thickness) which led to better oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles, and improved recovery.

Building the body for efficient energy use with protein

Aside from being rich in Omega-3, chia is a complete protein food with all the essential amino acids. Protein quality is dependent on having all the essential amino acids in the proper proportions. There are nine essential amino acids: Tryptophan, Threonine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine+Cystine, Phenylalanine+Tyrosine, Valine, and Histidine. If one or more of these essential amino acid is not present in sufficient amounts, the protein in your diet is considered incomplete. Chia, having all nine amino acids in sufficient amounts, meets all these requirements and has been identified as a complete and high-quality source of protein, the highest from a plant.

These units of amino acids are needed for structural functions like building muscle tissue, growth, maintenance, and repair of cells, and for production of enzymes, hormones and DNA -- functions that support the efficient use of energy.

But protein, the same as fat and carbohydrates, can also be used for energy. During athletic training or periods of prolonged physical labour or workout, the body could run out of carbohydrates and then turn to muscle protein as source for energy. When the body does this, there remains less amino acids for their important metabolic functions. That's why an athlete or a person performing long periods of physical labour needs a regular intake of complete protein throughout of the day.

Chia, being a portable and convenient food or drink, is perfect to keep in a sports bag or locker.

TIP: Have chia seeds in your emergency kits in your car.

  Chia and Women