Qualities

Benefit To You

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). Chia seeds are the highest plant source of Omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid which has been known to prevent or diminish certain illnesses. Studies show that ALA levels found in chia are higher than those in flax seed, and are more stable because of its high antioxidant content.

Simply put, a healthy life would be impossible without EFAs. And your body can't manufacture Omega-3, you have to eat it! So Eat Chia! Click here to find out more about ALA, Omega-3 essential fatty acids. 

Natural antioxidants. Other EFAs from other sources  fish and flax seeds are easily damaged by heat, light, and oxygen.  Oxidation in food, as we know, can promote diseases like cancer, cardio-vascular diseases, cataracts, a decline in immune system and brain dysfunction.   

Chia’s natural antioxidants keep the omega-3 fatty acid stable and prevent the dry seeds from going rancid. Not only that, but when you eat chia, its antioxidants also protect YOU. Click here to read more on chia's antioxidants. 

Strong antioxidants mean NO preservatives needed

Chia does not need artificial preservatives due to its high content of natural antioxidants. Because of this, nutritional content of dry chia seeds can stay stable for years. Even when mixed with water, it can stay fresh in your fridge for a couple of days. 

Strong antioxidants effect on YOU 

Not only do its natural antioxidants preserve the chia seed, they will also preserve you . By eating chia, we increase antioxidant activity in our bodies which slows down the aging process. 

Whole food, raw, unprocessed and unrefined 

Because it is a whole food, its all important micronutrients are all readily assimilated. Its natural enzymes have not been destroyed by processing. Although they can be cooked and baked, chia is best eaten in the raw state: just eat them straight, mix them in salads, drinks or smoothies.  

A functional food 

Chia is not only food with nutritional properties, but a ‘functional food’ said to have a health-promoting and/or disease-preventing property.

A powerful natural anti-inflammatory

 
One of the underlying causes of chronic illnesses today is inflammation. Many people may not know it, but their bodies suffer from chronic, systemic (all over the body) inflammation caused by bad food intake, environmental pollutants, stress and lack of sleep.  Chia seed has an incredible anti-inflammatory factor of more than 200+%.

Mucilaginous (gel-forming) 

When chia seeds are mixed with water or stomach juices a gel is formed that slows the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Thus, eating chia helps balance our blood sugar levels, and may reduce the need for  an insulin surge or spike to lower the blood sugar level after eating chia. This could support diabetic conditions. 

Hydrophilic (having the ability to absorb more than 12 times its weight in water). 

Being hydrophilic means that chia  prolongs hydration and retains electrolytes in body fluids which in turn supports the life of all body cells.

Hydrophilic colloidal properties 

This aids people who have digestive disorders.  There are other hydrophilic colloids that offer the same benefit such as edible seaweeds, agar, cactus juice, and beet juice, however none are as inexpensive, portable, accessible, and neutral tasting as chia.  

Bulky, tasteless, scentless – a dieter’s dream food 

When soaked in water, it can expand to about 9-12 times its mass. This can be added to any diet as a highly nutritious food extender  without changing the original taste or smell.  You can eat more, but with less fat, sugar, salt and preservatives. It's calories are also more nutritious.

Gluten-Free 

Chia is an ideal food for people with gluten intolerance, carbohydrate intolerance, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease. 

No allergic reactions to chia 

In a study of the impact of chia on the immune system, it was found that chia did not cause symptoms such as dermatitis, diarrhea, itchiness or digestive problems which were usual complaints amongst eaters of other Omega-3 sources like flaxseed and marine products. Read that study here.

No cholesterol 

Chia seeds have no cholesterol. Fish, another source of Omega-3 and protein – fish meat, fish oil and fish meal all may contain some amounts of cholesterol. 

No toxicants or pesticides / 

ORGANIC 

Chia seeds are grown organically, with no pesticides or chemical sprays. Fish may also contain traces of toxic chemicals such as methylmercury and dioxin.  Chia does not need pesticides when growing, as its high oil content is a natural and potent insect repellent in itself.

Source of fibre

Chia is both soluble and insoluble fibre which sweeps debris off the intestinal walls to be eliminated efficiently and regularly.  Daily intake of Chia improves bowel movement in less than a week and supports detoxification. 

Vitamins 

No significant amounts of vitamins have been recorded.

High source of protein with all the essential amino acids 

Chia provides the highest source of protein amongst other seeds and grains: between 19 to 23 percent protein by weight.  To compare:  amaranth (14.8%), wheat (14%), corn (14%), rice (8.5%), oats (15.3%), and barley (9.2%). 

Rich plant source of iron

Iron had been found to be anti-cancerous, boosts physical performance, improves immunity, improves concentration, and encourages restful sleep. 

Rich source of calcium, and has higher bioavailability than milk, which means that you could be absorbing more calcium from a tablespoon of chia than you do from a glass of milk.

Calcium keeps bones and teeth strong; keeps organs and bodily functions operating at their best; makes it easy for the body to maintain a healthy weight; protects your heart; eases PMS and stabilizes hormones; protects against colon cancer 

Contains boron 

Boron  acts as catalyst for the absorption and utilization of the  calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus in bones and for muscle growth. Boron also can increase the levels of natural estrogen. 

Increases natural estrogen levels 

In women in menopause, this means  stronger bones, more youthful appearance, smoother skin, better sexual health, sharper mind, overall better health and lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Rich source of magnesium

As with boron, magnesium aids in the absorption of calcium; vital for maintaining a healthy heart, can even aid in the recovery from a heart attack or stroke; helps maintain proper muscle function; reduces muscle spasms; and known as the ‘anti-stress’ mineral 

Other minerals: 

phosphorus, potassium, zinc, sodium, copper, manganese 

When you regularly eat chia, you will boost your intake of minerals which aid in the optimum functioning of our human body. 

Portable and Convenient. Chia is very easy to eat

Dry chia does not take up much space, does not spoil, and has no smell. It’s ideal to take on camps, climbs, marathons, bushwalks and other activities requiring minimal gear.