Anti-inflammatory & Cleansing Health Benefits of Chia
Seeds
Chia seeds are a true super food. Oddly, they are members of the mint family but they taste totally
neutral. This makes them a very versatile food, allowing you to add to most meals. Chia seeds are
gluten free and easily digested. Chia seeds have been used in ancient cultures for many medicinal
purposes such as helping to ease joint pain and digestive issues.
Chia seeds are filled with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory compounds in nature, as well
as being great for the brain. Did you know that Chia seeds contain even more omega three fatty
acids by weight than salmon does? The omega 3 and 6 content allow these super grain to have
powerful anti-inflammatory effects and lower cholesterol, just to name a few.
These tiny seeds are nearly a complete protein, meaning that they contain most of the 8 essential
amino acids that your body cannot synthesize on its own, and must get from food.
Chia seeds are able to absorb 9 time their own volume in water.
This ability causes them to help your own body retain needed water and electrolytes. You can use
them in place of your morning oatmeal by adding a few tbsp. of Chia seeds to almond, hemp or
coconut milk and letting it stand for 15-2 minutes, to give the chia seeds time to absorb the
liquid. You can then throw in some fresh or dried berries for a quick cereal.
Chia seeds help to clean out the digestive tract.
They contain high amounts of both soluble and insoluble fibre, as well as drawing water to
themselves. This adds bulk and water to the stools, which is important for keeping your system
clean and clear.
The high fibre and protein content will allow you to feel fuller for longer.
Chia seeds will also help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, C, E and K, which need fat
in order to be properly utilized by the body. Chia seeds are great for helping to keep blood sugar
levels stable as well as binding to cholesterol and helping to usher it out of the body.
Chia seeds contain high amounts of vital nutrients.
Chia seed’s rich nutritional value make them a valuable addition to any diet, especially vegan’s
and vegetarians.
Please refer to the nutritional table below for individual nutrients.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION - CHIA SEEDS
Avg qnty per
100 g
Energy
Cholesterol
Sodium
Fat, total
Saturated
Trans-Fatty Acid
Omega 3 ALA
Omega 6 LA
Omega 9
Monounsaturate
d
Protein
Carbohydrate,
total
Sugars
Fibre
Cobalamin
(vit. B12)
Folate
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Zinc
Potassium
Iron
Niacin (B3)
Riboflavin (B2)
Thiamine (B1)
Vitamin A
Copper
Manganese
Molybdenum
Aluminium
Boron
Australian-grown seeds
South American seeds
1960 kj
<1.0 g
<1.0 g
31.4 g
3.1 g
0.1 g
17.5 g
7.1 g
3.3 g
1553 kj
<1.0 g
<1.0 g
31.5 g
3.2 g
0 mg
19.8 g
5.8 g
(not tested)
1.9 g
2.5 g
15.6 g
21.1 g
43.6 g
42.1 g
<1.0 g
36.0 g
<1.0 g
41.2 g
90 ng
90 ug
500 mg
600 mg
290 mg
500 mg
6.5 mg
(not tested)
(not tested)
556 mg
750 mg
326 mg
44.6 mg
666 mg
6.27 mg
5.97 mg
0.12 mg
0.21 mg
2.44 mg
5.84 mg
0.2 mg
44.4 mg
0.92 mg
All figures are samples only, and subject to variation
according to season and growing location. Updated
November 2011.
http://www.chia4life.com.au/chia/nutrition/