Chia seeds are small seeds both dark and whitish are produced by a plant with bright blue flowers, rich in nutritional properties, called Salvia Hispanica . This shrub belonging to the Labiatae family is native to South America, particularly from Guatemala and central and southern Mexico.

Tradition has it that the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations already knew its benefits and properties, so precious as to make it a commodity for exchange and payment. Chia, along with amaranth, beans and corn, was one of the staples of the diet of the peoples of South America.

Considered a magical seed by the Aztecs, it was also nicknamed the " seed of strength ". It was the Spaniards who imported chia seeds in Spain, where cultivation developed rapidly thanks to favorable soil properties and climate.

In chia seeds more calcium than milk!

One hundred grams of chia seeds contain five times more calcium than milk, 600 milligrams! However, this is not the only element that makes them so valuable. In fact, the small "supersemes" contain a good dose of Omega-3, making them one of the richest vegetable sources of the precious essential fatty acid.

They also have a fair amount of vitamins: vitamin C and vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, such as B6 and B12, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine . Finally , they contain potassium, iron, selenium, zinc, copper and magnesium and fundamental amino acids for protein synthesis.

4 ways to add chia seeds to the diet

More and more consumed because ...

Chia is good for the body and the line! This is why it is increasingly in demand on the market. The presence of healthy fatty acids causes inflammation to be fought and the level of bad cholesterol in the blood to be controlled, as well as the level of blood pressure.

The fibers present are insoluble and absorb a lot of water, so they are able to give a prolonged sense of satiety, ideal for those who want to follow an effective diet. The fibers are also able to stabilize the levels of sugar present in the blood and to clean and detoxify the digestive tract.

How to consume them and where to find them

Chia seeds have a neutral taste and therefore can be added both cooked and raw and ground to smoothies, yogurt, cereals, bread, or used to enrich soups, soups and salads.

Being gluten-free , they can also be used by coeliacs, mixing a portion of chia seeds with three parts of gluten-free cereal flour to make various doughs.

For those who are vegan or cannot eat eggs, just grind two tablespoons of chia seeds in half a glass of cold water . A gel similar to that produced by flax seeds will be formed, which is also very useful for cleaning the intestine if fasted in the morning.

They are not yet widespread in Italy, but they can still be found in health food stores or shops selling organic and specialized products, as well as in fair-trade shops. They are easier to find online.

Curiosity : the white seeds, more precious and expensive, contain more protein than traditional cereals.