Why Chia Should Be Part Of Your Healthy Diet

30 seconds

Perhaps best known as the source of “fur” on novelty planters called Chia Pets, chia is the highly nutritious seed of a desert plant called Salvia hispanica. An important part of the diet of ancient Aztecs and Mayans, chia seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vital minerals including calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

It has a nutty flavor and gives some added consistency to your foods – try sprinkling whole or ground seeds on cereal, yogurt or salads, or grind and mix them with flour when baking. Chia is undergoing a well-deserved renaissance and is widely available online and in natural food stores. Seek out organic versions and experiment on all kinds of foods – you’ll likely find it a tasty addition to your diet!

Today’s Health Topics

Editor's Pick

• Essential Oils: Peppermint Oil

Health Focus

• When We Eat Most

Ask Dr. Weil's Q&A

• Matcha Tea Bags?