Seed BenefitsSeeds, Oils, Extracts, and Total Health

Historical Chia Seed Benefits

Chia seeds have been around for a long time.  Ancient cultures realized the benefits of chia seeds long before Americans started pasting them onto clay animals and watering them to watch them grow.  Chia seed benefits have long been known and have had a very long history of consumption.  The earliest we think that humans began using chia seeds was around 35oo BC.  There’s evidence that cultures in South and Central America consumed chia seeds on a regular basis, grinding them into flour, pressing them for oil, using with grain, and drinking straight with water.  Extraordinarily enough, we’re still using chia seeds in the same way today.

Chia seeds were also used for medicinal purposes.  It was said that Aztec warriors used chia seeds as a main source of fuel while going into battle.  Chia seeds were said to give endurance and stamina.  The word “Chia” actually comes from Mayan culture and means “Strength.”  Chia seeds were thought to be almost magical because of their ability to boost stamina and energy over long periods of time.  We’ll get into this in later posts, but it’s important to note that even thousands of years ago, these nutritional benefits of chia seeds were known.  Chia seeds were also used as a way to relieve joint pain and to stimulate the production of saliva.  In fact, during the Spanish conquest of Mexico, in certain places chia seeds were banned because chia seeds were associated with religious rituals and magical properties.  After the Aztec and Mayan cultures, chia seeds and their benefits became somewhat obscure until later.  Now, in modern days, chia seed benefits are being fully studied in regards to their once known, health properties.  Chia seeds have some very unique properties that make them unlike other seeds.  These we’re just beginning to rediscover in modern times.  We’ll get into them much more in upcoming posts.  So stay tuned for more chia seed benefits.