|
|
Wicked Local photo by Robin Chan
A close-up view of chia seeds. Among other positives, the seeds are high in fiber and Omega 3 fatty acids.
|
Hanover
All right, let’s get it out of the way: yes, the chia seeds one finds in a health food or grocery store are the same seeds used for those ubiquitous terracotta figurines with the “ch-ch-ch-chia” sprouting out of their kitschy little openings.
But thinking of chia as the stuff of novelty pets or late-night commercial catchphrases is so last century. Nowadays, thanks to the proselytizing efforts of television’s Dr. Oz and a grassroots desire of Americans to eat better, the tiny little seed is, to borrow a phrase from the immortal Norma Desmond, getting ready for its close-up.
“A pound of chia seeds has more Omega 3 fatty acids than a pound of salmon,” says Ralph Maturo, who owns Good Health Natural Foods in Hanover and Quincy along with his wife, Diane.
In addition to being a source of Omega 3s, which promote good cardiovascular health, the seeds have plenty of both soluble and insoluble fiber that work to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates. That, in turn, promotes a steadier energy level throughout the day.
“It’s great for regulating blood sugar and is very good for diabetics,” says Diane. She adds that, because of the fiber’s absorption ability, the seeds also promote “that full feeling” that dieters crave.
“When you add liquid to chia seeds, what they will do is form a gel,” says Diane, who encourages skeptics to place two tablespoons of the seeds in a cup of water and see for themselves.
So why is a food that’s so packed with good stuff not a household name except as a windowsill decoration?
For the Maturos, it’s all about education and awareness. On the chia front, they say the lion’s share of the credit goes to Dr. (Mehmet) Oz, the popular television host who has also educated Americans about the benefits of things such as hemp and flaxseed.
“He’s educated them all,” says Ralph, who notes that education and awareness is also the cornerstone upon which his family business is built.
According to Dr. Oz’s website, chia seeds were a staple food of the Aztecs and Mayans and the word “chia” is actually a Mayan word for “strength.” Known for boosting stamina, chia fell out of favor after the Spanish Conquest as the Spaniards brought their own crops and prohibited the growing of chia. Oz compares chia to another super seed, flaxseed, because, in his words, the seeds “deliver the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories.” The good doctor echoes the Maturos’ comments about fiber and Omega 3s and also says chia seeds provide calcium, antioxidants and even a little protein.
Locally, the Maturos say that Dr. Mark Mincolla and his popular “Natural Health Show” on radio station WATD 95.9 have helped to spread awareness of many healthy foods, chia included.
Ralph and Diane say chia seeds are seeds from the chia fruit. The seeds are generally grown in South America but are well established in Peru. They say the growing popularity of chia and other foods represents a trend of moving past adding vitamins to juices or pills and going right to the healthy foods themselves.
“It (health awareness) makes people realize the value of eating healthy foods,” says Ralph. “The food source is still the best source.”