Cha Cha Cha Chia!  Yup, I'm talking about the same seeds that were used to grow those funny chia pets when you were a kid.  

Who knew the unbelievable health benefits that come from eating the seeds?!  I can't believe I've gone so long without knowing much about these.  I have to thank my Uncle Alan for educating me about these.  We were staying at his house over Christmas and he picked up a scoopful of chia seeds and ate them.  Now my Uncle knows his stuff when it comes to health, he's one of the top surgeons in the country and is the smartest person I've ever met!  So when he has something to say, I listen.  We had a great discussion about the seeds and all the health benefits.  

Chia is harvested mainly in Mexico and an Aztec super food.  It's said that Aztec warriors subsisted on chia seeds alone during conquests.

Wow!  I still cannot believe I didn't know anything about these!  Here are just a few of the benefits:

1. They are the best plant based source for Omega-3 fatty acids {more than flax seeds and 8 times more than salmon!}

2. Chia seeds are an excellent gluten-free source of fiber.  Chia fiber is soluble fiber {the best kind} that helps lower your cholesterol and is super healthy for your heart

3. They are loaded with antioxidants!

4. a really high source of protein that is very easily digestible so great for pregnant vegetarians

5. Low glycemic index.  What is that you say?  Having an index of 1 means it actually helps lower the rate at which your body converts carbohydrates into sugars! {yes, that's a really good thing}  And by doing this it can curb your cravings for sugar ie. junk food!

6. Diet food.  Chia seeds can absorb 10 times their weight in water which fills you up faster {why you should take a spoonful every morning : ) }

7.  Oprah loves them!  She was introduced to them here, by Dr. Oz

Unlike most things that are good for you, they taste great!  Actually, you don't taste them at all because they have a super super mild flavor.  You won't even know they are there!  And they can be eaten with the shells on, unlike flax seeds which have to be ground up to get benefits.

Seriously, if you haven't left this website to go buy yourself some chia, do it now!  No, seriously, this is where you can find some  Chia Seeds : )

Now, that you have them, how do you eat them?  Well, yes, you could eat a tablespoon full in the morning and be fabulous, but there are all sorts of ways to eat them.  I've enjoyed them sprinkled on salads, oatmeal, cereal, yoghurt, mixed in smoothies and juice and even add them to your baking.  {More ideas to come}  

PS I didn't take any of these photos.  They were found on google images.  Though I wish I were at the taping of Oprah ; )