CHIA PETS ARE NUTRITIOUS?

I recently saw a TV commercial promoting healthful “Chia Pets” for growing indoors and I had to find out what that was all about. After looking Chia Seeds up online I have discovered that the original “Cha-Cha-Cha” Chia Seeds are not only edible but a great source of fiber and omega-3 and should be used as an additive in foods such as vitamin shakes, on yogurt, with cereals or in cooking with meatloaf, sauces and added to just about anything that you can imagine.

Please note that Chia seeds that are included with the Chia Pet gifts for growing should not be the ones that you eat as they may have been coated with a fungicide or they simply may not be packaged, or safe for human consumption. Chia seeds are a bit expensive and difficult to find as many Health Food Stores do not carry these seeds. The best place to find them is online but shop around as they can be priced from $6.99 to $32.00 per pound.

Chia seeds can be eaten whole and dry but for best result for unlocking all of the nutrients, it is best to soak them for 30 minutes and up to 3 hours. Usually 1 heaping tablespoon to 1 cup of water is a good mix. Nutrients are: Fiber 42%, Protein 9%, Calcium 18%, Copper 3%, Phospherous 27% and Zinc 7%. Chia seeds are a rich source of anti-oxidants. Benefits include more energy, healthier teeth and bones, increased muscle.