What is chia seed?
CHIA (Salvia columbariae Benth) Plant Symbol = SACO6 (usda.gov) .Chia seeds are a valuable source of nutrients, protein and oil. to many Native American tribes in California, who have long used chia for food and medicinal purposes. Historically, chia seeds were a staple food for many Pacific coast groups including the Salinan, Costanoan and Chumash as well as inland tribes such as the Paiute, Maidu, and Kawaiisu. Chia is one of the first plants obtained by humans in Kawaiisu mythology (Zigmond 1981). Chia was regularly cultivated along with corn in the fields of the Nahua peoples of ancient Mexico.
Chia seed as medicine
Chia seeds contain a musilagenous substance and expand considerably into a gelatinous volume when moistened. An aromatic, minty beverage could be made by soaking raw chia seeds in water (Saunders 1923). Ground seeds were soaked in water to make a refreshing beverage that is said to have high thirst-quenching properties. Chia, used in this way, is also said to make the alkaline water of the desert palatable.
Other: Chia is one of the traditional foods that is considered useful by researchers in treating diabetes, a disease that afflicts many modern Native Americans and may be attributed to the loss of many traditional foods (Lowry 1999).
Seeds mixed with water were also used to treat fevers (Bocek 1984). A hot poultice of ground chia seeds was placed inside a cloth or bandage and applied to infected areas of the body. Europeans quickly adapted medicinal uses of chia; early California mission fathers learned how to make an infusion from chia seeds to treat fevers and it is said that chia makes the “finest poultice for gunshot wounds” (Jepson 1911). The Costanoan were among the many tribes who used chia seeds to remove foreign matter or reduce irritation of the eye (Bocek 1984). A single to several of the whole seeds were dropped into the eye, and rolled around or left in overnight. The Cahuilla tribe used chia seeds in this fashion to remove sand in the eyes acquired from sandstorms encountered after a long day of hunting (Romero 1954). Seeds were sometimes mashed with a rock or hammer and placed in the eye overnight (Zigmond 1981). The film that resulted from the gelatinous seeds in either method absorbed any foreign body or irritant and helped to ease inflammation. Chia seeds were often used for ceremonial offerings (Timbrook 1990).
Chia reportedly contains more omega-3 fatty acids than flaxseed, more fiber than bran, and more protein than soy. It also contains calcium, magnesium, iron, and antioxidants.
How can chia seed help in weight control?
Chia seeds are a valuable source of nutrients, protein and oil. When roasted, they have a pleasant, nutlike flavor. The Diegueño took chia seeds on journeys where a few seeds kept in the mouth and periodically chewed, would keep up their strength (Hedges & Beresford 1986). One tablespoon of chia seed is said to be enough to supply a person with 24 hours worth of energy.
The chia seeds are great for athletes because they are highly hydrophilic. Being hydrophilic means it absorbs large amounts of water. Chia Seeds can absorb over 10 times their weight in water making them a great enhancer in hydrating our bodies. They absorb the water we drink holding it in our system longer
The chia seed gels when becoming wet and this gel, when in our digestive systems, helps prevent some of the food, hence calories that we eat from getting absorbed into our system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes the chia seed a great diet helper. Eating the seeds also helps dieters by making them feel fuller faster so they will be less hungry!
Technical test data and certificate provide by Nutritional Science Research Institute
