Chia Seed – The Most Popular Superfood? 13-06-2022

Chia Seed. Among almost everybody known as a superfood, but what is it and where does it come from? Let’s dive into the world of this small seed!

What is Chia Seed?

Salvia Hispanica is the plant that we know as Chia. It is a species of flowering plant in the mint family. Native in central- and south Mexico. The plant is most known and cultivated by its edible Chia seed. The plant does commonly grow in South America, (western) Mexico and the southwest of the United States. The plant can reach heights of 175 cm and the growing cycles are between 100- and 150 days in duration. The Chia seeds are harvested from the dried flower of the plant at the end of the growing cycle.

There is evidence that humans began using Chia seeds around 3500 Before Christ. Aztecs and Mayans consumed Chia seeds regularly, grinding them into flour, pressing them for oil and drinking them with water. They were called ‘miracle’ and ‘magic’ seeds. Warriors used Chia seeds as their sole food source when traveling long distances, because just a small batch of Chia carried with them provided complete nutritional sustenance for days. In Mayan, Chia seeds are ‘Chiabaan.’ This means ‘strengthening.’ A processor has lived for 3 months on chia seeds and water. Proving this seed has every aspect and nutrient to survive.

Health benefits of Chia seed

This seed is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid), soluble- and insoluble fibers and proteins in addition to other important nutritional components, such as vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants. In fact, Chia seed contains 8(!) times more Omega-3 than salmon. Chia can be considered as “functional food” because apart from contributing to human nutrition, Chia helps to increase satiety index, prevent cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory and nervous system disorders, and diabetes, among others. Today, Chia seed offers a huge potential in the industries of health, food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, among others, due to its functional components.

100 grams of chia seed contains:

– 486 calories

– 16.53 grams of protein

– 42.12 grams of carbohydrates

– 30.74 grams of fats

– 34.4 grams of fibers

– several vitamins and minerals.

Fibers are known to stimulate digestion and bowel movements, because Chia seed contain a significant number of fibers, the LDL-cholesterol levels in a human body are easily drained. On the other hand, Chia seed contain a sufficient number of antioxidants, these antioxidants protect our immune system and other (free) radicals. For diabetic patients, Chia seed is a good source of carbohydrates, Chia seed contain no sugars. Diabetic patients also benefit from the great amount of minerals, magnesium, phosphorus and other vitamins like thiamine.

At Dipasa we hope the above contributes in answering some questions you may have about Chia seed. If you would like to receive our specification or prices regarding our Chia seed, do not hesitate to contact our sales department or at bol.com shop: sales@dipasa.nl