Chia seeds come from the herbaceous plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family, and are native to Mexico and Guatemala. First cultivated by the Aztecs and Mayans for use in food and medicine, they have become popular in recent years thanks to their numerous health benefits. Why? Simple, they are a particularly rich source of calcium, vitamin C, and omega-3s, which promote intestinal health and the proper functioning of the nervous system and heart.
Chia Seeds
1. What are chia seeds?
2. Nutritional values
? 3. Properties and benefits of chia seeds.
4. How many chia seeds should you eat per day
? 5. How to eat chia seeds
? 6. Do chia seeds help you lose weight?
7. Contraindications.
What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds are the tiny black seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant. Belonging to the mint family, the plant is native to Central and South America. Chia has been cultivated as a food source since 3500 BC and was offered to the Aztec gods in religious ceremonies. These seeds are incredibly versatile. Of particular note is their ability to absorb liquids and form a gel, meaning they can be used to thicken sauces, serve as an egg substitute, and make sugar-free jams.