ch, ch, ch, chia!

apparently i have grossed out a number of people by consuming chia seeds in my oj over the past few months and thus wanted to use this forum as a means of educating said peeps as to the benefits of the chia seed. and to confirm, that yes, left too long in soil and watered on a regular basis, they will turn into an actual chia pet. to that effect, here are the facts:

"Chia seed oil is a naturally vegan health food that has many positive properties. The oil comes from the Chia seed, commonly used on the novelty item, the "Chia Pet." It has tremendous nutritional value for those who choose to eat the seeds or drink the oil that comes from the seeds. Chia seed has been known for its healthful properties for centuries, when it was used as a staple food by Native Americans of the Mexico and the American Southwest. It was used by the ancient Aztecs as a high energy endurance food when natives needed to travel long distances on very little food.

Vegan chia seed can be used as a unique part of any dietary plan. Chia seed helps build muscles and other tissues and is known to aid in human digestion and digestive problems. One of the best properties of chia seed is that it contains a high amount of oil. In fact, it is known to be the richest vegan source for the essential omega-3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid. Chia seed contains up to three to ten times the omega-3 content of most normal grains and contains at least twice the content of protein in most grains. Omega-3 oil, along with other essential fatty acids, help absorb fat soluble vitamins, including vitamin A, D, E and K.

Vegan chia seed oil is also found to be an excellent source of linoleic acid, which is an essential fatty acid the body can`t manufacture on its own. Unsaturated fatty acids are important for the respiratory process of vital organs and help make it easier for oxygen to be transported by the blood stream to all organs, tissues and cells. These essential fatty acids aid in the maintenance and lubrication of all the body`s cells and are able to combine with cholesterol and proteins to form the membranes that make up the structure of our cells.

Chia seed oil and the omega-3 fatty acids found within it are helpful to maintain our glandular activity, especially the activity of the thyroid gland and the adrenal glands. They supply nutrition to the skin cells and are important in the maintenance of healthy mucus membranes. In addition, they nourish the nerves. These unsaturated fatty acids cooperate with vitamin D in allowing calcium to become available to the body, helping phosphorus as well, and promoting the conversion of carotene into vitamin A. Fatty acids help to achieve the normal function of the reproductive system as well.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given a positive health claim with regard to omega-3 fatty acids, stating that there exists supportive but not conclusive data which reveals that consuming omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce the risk of heart disease in those who consume it regularly."

oh yeah, and they also help you poo.

hugs!