Ch-ch-ch-chia!

by: AndreaDow
Total views: 285
Word Count: 258

Tuesday, June 24th

Who doesn't remember that catchy jingle, ch-ch-ch-chia, from several years ago? I never had the chance to personally watch the green hair that would grow on the clay "pet", but I was always intrigued by the commercials on TV. Now, a cousin to the chia seeds, Salvia columbariae, is in the news for a potential health benefit.

According to EatingWell magazine writer Ana Mantica, Salvia columbariae, has "more alpha-linoleic acid, an Omega-3 fat, than flaxseeds". It also has some calcium, iron, fiber and antioxidants. The chia seed can be found in grocery stores in energy bars, cereals, toppings for yogurt and salads and even pastas. Apparently, this seed is prevalent in Mexico and South America and is highly coveted by the Aztecs who believe it has super natural powers. A recent study in Diabetes Care, had individuals take a specific strain of Salvia that was cultivated for nutritional purposes for 12 weeks. The results were that the twenty participants had improved blood pressure, inflammation and thus, and a decreased risk for heart disease.

Should we all try to eat the chia seeds instead of just watching them grow? I would advise to enjoy the seeds if you like their nutty flavor, but don't rush out to buy them. Unfortunately, the nutritional makeup of the seeds can vary widely and the study noting positive health benefits had only 20 participants. While the seeds are high in fiber, Mantica warns that "are also high in calories, about 37 calories and 3 grams of fiber per tablespoon".

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