Chia(Salvia hispanica)
Other Names:
Chia seed
Range:
Family:
Family - Lamiaceae Family
Growth Type:
Annual herb
Parts Used:
Seeds
Culinary Uses:
Chia seeds may be added to other foods as a topping or put into smoothies, breakfast cereals, energy bars, granola bars, yogurt, tortillas, and bread.
They also may be made into a gelatin-like substance or consumed raw. The gel from ground seeds may be used in place of eggs in baking, and it is a common substitute in vegan and allergen-free baking.
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics:
Taste: Sweet
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Moistening
Traditional Medicinal Uses:
Chia seeds are a nutrient-dense superfood known for their numerous health benefits. They are rich in fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals. Here are some key benefits:
Nutrient-Rich: Chia seeds are packed with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which support overall health.
Digestive Health: They help improve gut health by providing soluble and insoluble fiber, promoting regularity and reducing bloating.
Weight Management: The high fiber content can aid in weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake
Heart Health: Omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds are linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
Energy Boost: Chia seeds can provide sustained energy due to their gel-like consistency when soaked in liquid.
Incorporating chia seeds into your diet can enhance your nutritional intake and support various health goals.
Indications:
Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, Hypertriglyceridemia, Insulin Resistance, Obesity, Steatotic Liver Disease
Indications Citations
The fact that studies concerning all indications listed above have not yet been completed, does not mean said uses are invalid. The plants I have included have a long history of effective use, and most were part of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia prior to the advent of allopathic medicine.
Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol): Khan G, Hussain MI, Gull Khan J, Siddique A, Sheikh SI, Irfan T, Maryem S, Mushtaq H, Shakeel E. Effect of Salvia hispanica (Chia seeds) and Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel seeds) against weight-loss and lipid profile in obese human subjects. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2024 Jan;37(1(Special)):231-234. PMID: 38747274.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Alwosais EZM, Al-Ozairi E, Zafar TA, Alkandari S. Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) supplementation to the diet of adults with type 2 diabetes improved systolic blood pressure: A randomized controlled trial. Nutr Health. 2021 Jun;27(2):181-189. doi: 10.1177/0260106020981819. Epub 2021 Feb 2. PMID: 33530854.
Hypertriglyceridemia (High Triglycerides): Shahparvari MR, Nasrollahzadeh J. Effect of chia seeds or concentrated fish oil on cardiometabolic risk markers in subjects with hypertriglyceridaemia: a parallel clinical trial. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2024 Dec;37(6):1558-1570. doi: 10.1111/jhn.13369. Epub 2024 Oct 3. PMID: 39360590.
Steatotic Liver Disease (Non-alcaholic fatty liver disease): Medina-Urrutia A, Lopez-Uribe AR, El Hafidi M, González-Salazar MDC, Posadas-Sánchez R, Jorge-Galarza E, Del Valle-Mondragón L, Juárez-Rojas JG. Chia (Salvia hispanica)-supplemented diet ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its metabolic abnormalities in humans. Lipids Health Dis. 2020 May 19;19(1):96. doi: 10.1186/s12944-020-01283-x. PMID: 32430018; PMCID: PMC7236935.
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
None Known
Possible Side Effects:
Prostate cancer: Chia contains large amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). There is some concern that large amounts of ALA might increase the chance of getting prostate cancer. But this doesn't seem to be a concern when ALA comes from plants, such as chia. Consuming chia in moderation does not seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Antidiabetic,
Antihyperlipidemic,
Antihypertensive,
Antilipidemic,
Hypoglycemic,
Hypolipidemic,
Lipolytic
Chia seed & Flaxmeal tortillas
This recipe is a full day's dosage, for one person, of chia and flaxseed.
This recipe at this dosage of chia and flax resulted in my blood pressure dropping by 20 points systolically and 14 points diastolically. Please remember, this does not mean it will work for you in the same manner. I also cut from my diet all carbs except those contained in chia seeds and flaxmeal.
Due to the gelatinous natures of chia and flax, this dough will be stickier than that of the normal tortilla dough. ALlowing the dough to sit in the refrigerator uncovered for a minimum of 30-60 minutes will make it much easier to get the pressed tortillas off of the parchment paper.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Divide into 2 equal portions, and place back into the bowl.
- Place the uncovered bowl with the dough balls in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. (This will help to minimize the sticky nature of the dough, allowing the tortillas to more easily release from the tortilla press)
- Heat a griddle on high.
- Use a tortilla press lined with parchment paper to make tortillas.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
This recipe makes 2 approximately 6" tortillas, or you can divide into smaller "street taco style" tortillas. The big thing to remember is that this recipe contains the daily dose of chia seed and flaxmeal for one person.
Hunger Busting Flaxmeal and chia seed Balls:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients until thoroughly incorporated.
- Divide the dough into 5 equal 57 gram portions, and roll into balls.
- Eat one ball each morning with a full glass of water and it will help to curb your hunger.
Herbal Preparations For Salvia hispanica (Chia Seeds)
Food Additive
Part Used: Seeds
Plant State: Dried
To reap the health benefits listed above, add the seeds to any dish.
Dosage: 3 tbsp daily.
Standard Infusion
Part Used: Seeds
Plant State: Dried
Preparation Instructions...
Dosage: 1 cup daily.
