1. Research in Vegetables, Seeds, Seeds and Nuts
Highbridge Home Church

2. Overview
Seed of the Week

3. In the 1980’s the
sprouts from the
salvia hispanica plant
were used in a product
called “Chia Pets”;
however the seeds
from this plant have
been recently Chia
rediscovered in health
circles.

4. Chia seeds are an excellent source
of essential fatty acids and are a
great addition to a healthy diet.
There is much research to be done
on the health benefits of the seeds,
but now many in the health
community are calling the seeds a
“superfood”.
Chia

5. Chia seeds were an important part of
the Aztec, Incan, and Mayan diet.
It was originally cultivated in parts of
Mexico (also in the southewestern
states that were once part of Mexico)
as early as 2,700 B.C..
Chia

6. Chia was the Mayan word for strength.
One spoon of seed in water was used
to supply sustenance for an entire day
of hard labor. Aztec warriors used Chia
as their main source of fuel during
conquests. So highly prized were the
seeds that they were used as currency.
Chia

7. Medicinally, they also used it to
relieve joint pain and stimulate
saliva. Different varieties were
used in ancient indigenous
societies, as well as in Chinese
medicine.
Chia

8. Although once a major crop in
Mexico, it was banned after the
Spanish conquest due to its
association with Aztec religion
where it was used as an offering
during religious ceremonies and
ritual.
Chia

9. Chia seeds are
harvested from the
Salvia hispanica plant,
a member of the mint
family. The seeds are
small, about 1
millimeter in diameter,
and they range from Chia
brown to gray in color.

10. Health Benefits
Seed of the Week

11. Why Use Chia Seeds
 One of the richest  High in fiber, and
vegetable sources antioxidants.
of omega-3 fatty  Contains boron, a
acids. trace mineral that
 Contains 3-10 times Helps transfer
more protein & calcium into your
natural oils than bones.
most grains Chia

12. In Comparison, Chia Seeds Have:
 3 – 10 times more protein
than most grains
 5 times the calcium of
milk,
 2 times the amount of
potassium as bananas.
 3 times the reported
antioxidant strength of
blueberries. Chia
 3 times more iron than
spinach.

13. Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
 It boosts strength and
endurance
 It induces weight loss
 It levels blood sugar (carbs)
 It helps detoxify the body
(absorbs toxins)
 It lubricates joints
(arthritis )
 Improves brain function
Chia
(concentration/memory)
 Helps in treating
hypoglycemia

14. Chia contains the following vitamins
 A  choline,
 B1, B2, B3,  folic acid,
 B5, B6, B15, B17,  inositol,
 C  PABA
 D
 E
 K Chia

15. Chia contains the following minerals
 Boron  Potassium
 Calcium  Silicon
 Copper  Sodium
 Iodine  Strontium
 Iron  Sulphur
 Magnesium  Zinc
 Manganese  Amylose
 Molybdenum  Electrolytes
Chia
 Phosphorous

16. Uses and Storage
Seed of the Week

17. Uses of Chia Seeds:
 sprouted and used in  ground and mixed into
salads or sandwiches smoothies or added to
 sprinkled on your baked goods (breads
cereal, salads, or and muffins)
yogurt  egg replacer in vegan
diets
 soaked in water (for
about 30 minutes) to
form a gel, then added
to porridges or used to Chia
make puddings

18. Chia seed may be eaten raw as a whole
seed. The seeds have a mild, nutty
flavor. They can be ground up and
baked into wholesome breads and
muffins, or placed into water to make a
gel that can be added to puddings,
salad dressings, soups, jam, yogurt,
milk, honey, cereal or dip.
Chia

19. Chia Is Used In Recipes For
 Cakes, Muffins,  Drinks
Loaves, and Cookies  Chia Fresca (with
 As an Egg Substitute water or Juice, and
lemon)
 Pinole (mixed with
 Sago (with apple
ground corn, honey,
juice)
and cinnamon)
 Spreads (mixed with
nut butters) Chia
 Pancakes

20. How You Can Store Chia Seeds
 Whole Chia seeds can  Chia flour, like chia
be stored in a cool, dry seeds, may be stored
place, in storage for months without
containers with a tight- going rancid.
fitting lid .  Chia seeds placed in
 The antioxidants in the water to make a gel
chia seeds allow them to will last two weeks in
be stored for months in
the refrigerator
a dark, cool place.
Chia