Chia (Salvia hispania L) is a herb that flourishes in South America. Its seed has been part of local diets for centuries. Indeed, Chia is believed to have been a staple food of the Aztecs, who regarded it as an aid to mental acuity, physical endurance and wellbeing. It remains in common use in southern Mexico and Guatemala. Chia seed provides abundant Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, in an optimum ratio for good health. It also provides protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Hemp’s profile of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is presented in what we now know to be the ideal ratio for humans. There are many modern foods that contain Omega oils, but many of these give them in a ratio skewed in favour of Omega-6. The Omega ratio in Chia aids the cellular health of our brain, and boosts its chemical communication pathways. Chia has been associated with symptomatic relief for people suffering from depression. Chia’s Omega fatty acid content is vital for healthy blood, regulates blood pressure and promotes good cardiac health overall. It is also important for proper immune function and stabilised blood sugar.

Chia’s vitamin content is significant, too. It contains Vitamin A, which we require for good retinal health. It is also key for proper reproductive function in mammals and is also essential to form and maintain basic body structures. Chia’s Vitamin B1 fosters proper function of the nervous system and muscles. Its Vitamin B2 helps us extract energy from carbohydrates and produce healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B3 helps control blood sugar, maintain the digestive and nervous systems and helps extract energy from carbohydrates. It also promotes healthy skin. Vitamin B6 is required for the absorption of amino acids and chemicals involved in brain function. It also helps muscle function, enabling blood haemoglobin to bind oxygen. Vitamin E is a range of elements believed to be important antioxidant agents, preventing disease and helping wounds heal.

Chia’s mineral provision includes Calcium, which promotes the growth and maintenance of healthy, strong bones and teeth, as well as good circulatory and nerve health. Iron aids red blood cell production, preventing anaemia. Magnesium is used by all our cells, and is essential for efficient nerve and muscle function. It also helps us absorb protein. Phosphorous is required for general cellular function. Potassium works alongside sodium to allow nervous impulses to flow and facilitate muscle reaction. Potassium deficiency can cause muscle weakness and heart irregularities. Zinc is also essential, required by almost every organ and biological process. It is a basic necessity for proper mental function, and has a role in sexual development and health.

9% of Chia’s volume is high-quality protein, which helps us as we build, repair and maintain muscle tissue. Chia is a versatile food, neutral in flavour. It can be added to a variety of cooked or raw dishes and helps dieters feel full, as it takes on water once ingested.

Production
Rainforest Foods raw Chia is grown on farms in South America. The growing season is five months long, during which time the full nutritional value of the seeds can develop. Chia is harvested by machine, and the seeds cleaned carefully to remove any stalk material. They are then packed for transport. Organic Certification Rainforest Foods Chia seed is certified by the Soil Association, one of a handful of organic certification bodies in the UK. These are regulated in their turn by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). The role of the Soil Association is to ensure that all foods sold as organic are definably so. It does this by auditing every stage of the supply chain, through growth, export and processing. Soil Association certification – indicated by the Soil Association logo and the EU organic leaf symbol on our packaging – is a guarantee that our customers are purchasing an organic product. All organically-certified products must also carry a certification code on their packaging. For UK companies such as Rainforest Foods this has the format GB-ORG-XX, XX indicating the certifying body. If this is not present, a product is not organic. The Soil Association code on our products is GB-ORG-05.

Ingredients
Organic raw Chia seeds.

Suggested Use
Chia is a novel food and is certified for use in the EU as a bread ingredient to a maximum of 5%. Store your Chia in a cool, dark and dry place.

Nutritional Analysis
For details on nutritional content, please click on the back label image above.  For further information about Chia seed, please visit the Chia seed overview and read Chia seed articles on our blog.

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