Superfoods, Chia Seeds

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Chia Becomes Latest Health Food Fad
Chia Seeds Contain Omega-3s, High In Antioxidants
Last Edited: Monday, 08 Dec 2008, 11:59 PM EST
Created: Monday, 08 Dec 2008, 11:58 PM EST

WTXF-TV Fox 29 News

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PHILADELPHIA -- The television commercials used to be unavoidable, and the jingle was a hard one to shake.

You can still buy a Chia pet. But Chia seeds are now making news for a different reason, Fox 29's Jennaphr Frederick reported.

You remember the Chia pet of the past. Well, it turns out the seeds you used to grow that Chia pet are the latest health food fad.

"Can you believe that you're eating a Chia pet?" Frederick asked.

"You know, I never knew much about Chia pets except the commercial, 'Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia.' That's all I know," said Jennifer Kulb, manager at the Essene Food Market and Café in Queen Village. "And I never had one. I don't even know what they look like. And I don't know what the sprouts look like, so I don't really make that connection."

Kulb said Chia seeds are a new super food.

"It has omegas, it has essential fatty acids, and it has a lot of fiber and it has some really good protein," Kulb said.

That's right, the very same seeds used to grow Chia pets also contain more Omega-3s than flax seeds. They're high in antioxidants. They contain calcium and iron. They're low in sodium, and they're gluten free.

Consuming the seeds is nothing new.

"Their history is they date back thousands of years. The Aztecs used them to help as a super food … helped with their endurance when they were going out on missions," a herbal pharmacist said.

You can incorporate Chia seeds into your everyday diet by sprinkling on salads, in juices, yogurt or on just about anything. Or, buy products with Chia seeds as ingredients, such as cereals.

Ok, so we know they're good for us. But how do they taste?

Kulb said customers at Essene are scooping them up. And she eats them twice a day.

"So, you say go Chia?" Frederick asked.

"I love Chia," Kulp said.

You can buy Chia seeds and Chia products at many health food stores.