Super Food: Chia Seeds, the New Flaxseed
July 17, 2011 This post is part of our "Super Foods" series and was submitted by Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., RD, LDN, author of Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 Foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease.
What's hot in nutrition these days? Chia seeds, the same stuff that grows hair on those cute little "Chia Pet" pottery figurines, is the new edible super food. Native to Mexico and Guatemala and revered by the Aztecs as an energy power food, this small seed is derived from the Salvia hispanica plant. What's so hot about this seed? It has a truly remarkable nutrient profile that rivals flaxseeds in terms of its omega-3 ALA and fiber content. The seeds are literally bursting with fiber and protein (a complete protein at that): two nutrients that are very helpful for weight management. Here's the breakdown of this nutritional wonder grain:
1 ounce (28 g) of dried Chia seeds contains: 137 calories; 9 grams fat (5 g ALA); 0 chol; 5 mg sodium; 11 g dietary fiber; 4 grams protein and 18% of your DV for calcium.
Available in most health food stores and some supermarkets-sprinkle some on your morning bowl of oatmeal for a protein and fiber boost. Both the ALA omega-3 fat and the fiber have been scientifically proven to benefit your heart health. I urge all of you to embrace this ancient seed to enhance your daily nutrition and fitness!
Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., is a registered dietitian, licensed dietitian/nutritionist and author of Cholesterol Down: 10 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in 4 Weeks-Without Prescription Drugs and Prevent a Second Heart Attack: 8 foods, 8 Weeks to Reverse Heart Disease. She is a nationally recognized nutrition, health, and fitness expert, specializing in cardiovascular disease prevention. Learn more at DrJanet.com.
Flickr image from uberculture
Reader Comments (1)
What happened to the rest of the series?