Nutiva’s Organic Chia Seeds are loaded with many healthy benefits. This seed is so powerful that it has been treasured by Aztec cultures for thousands of years. The complex nutritional profile of chia seeds makes them a certifiable “superfood.” And they are perfect for every day use. Chia’s versatility will also give you plenty of creative options for assimilating these tiny little super seeds into your diet.

A one-ounce (28 g) serving of Nutiva’s Organic Chia Seeds contains approximately 9 percent of the recommended daily value for protein, 13 percent of the recommended intake for fat and 42 percent of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of essential minerals including phosphorous and manganese and calcium as well as trace amounts of sodium and potassium. Minerals play a variety of roles in the body, helping overall organ function and performance.

The chia seed is also a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids—more Omega-3 than the popular flax seed. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for heart health, brain function, hair and skin and have been linked to decreasing and preventing depression.

Getting fiber in our diets everyday can reduce the risk of certain types of heart diseases, help to maintain proper digestive function, regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, decrease cravings for junk food by making us feel full longer; it boosts energy and overall performance, and may improve brain function by helping to decrease “cloudy” thoughts and lack of focus. Chia seeds provide an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber.

The chia seed health benefits also includes a wide array of rare antioxidants, including caffeic and chlorogenic acids, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, which have been linked to reducing the risk of certain diseases, including several types of cancer.

Q. What is a chia seed?

A. Chia is a very nutritious, ancient seed that has been commonly used in Latin American countries for thousands of years.

Q. Is it the same seed as in those chia pets?

A. Yes, those are chia seeds! They sprout into microgreens, which you can add to salads or sandwiches, or just eat plain. They are similar to alfalfa sprouts in taste and texture.

Q. What do chia seeds taste like?

A. When eaten dry, chia tastes a bit like a poppy seed. It is dense, small and crunchy. Soaked chia seeds absorb liquid and become very plump, sweet and soft like tapioca pearls, and can be used much in the same way.

Q. What are the benefits of chia seeds?

A. Chia seeds are loaded with healthy benefits, which makes them considered a “superfood.”

A one ounce (28 g) serving of chia seeds contain 9 percent of the recommended daily value forprotein, 13 percent of oil and 42 percent of the recommended daily intake ofdietary fiber.

Chia is a rich source of essential minerals including phosphorous and manganese as well as calcium and trace amounts of sodium and potassium, which all keep vital organs functioning properly.

Chia seeds also contain healthy antioxidants, including caffeic and chlorogenic acids, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, which may prevent cellular damage.

The chia seed is a rich source of Omega-3, and in fact has more Omega-3 than flax seed. Omega-3 fatty acids support brain and heart function, promote healthy skin and hair and may prevent and treat certain mild types of depression.

Q. How do I use chia seeds?

A. Sprinkle chia seeds onto salads, soups, yogurt, even into sandwiches and wraps.

Use chia in recipes that call for sesame or poppy seeds. Add to muffins, bread, cookies and cakes.

Chia absorbs 9-12 times its weight in water and can make a delicious tapioca-like pudding.

* Please read more at nutiva.com (the information above are extracted from the manufacturer's website)