General Description
Chia is a plant that has grown wild in Latin America and southwest United States for centuries.
Geographical Sources
Latin America & United States
Traditional Ethnic Uses
For centuries this tiny seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the southwest and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It is believed that the gel formed from eating the seeds creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. The most familiar use is as a novelty sprout covering a clay pet with the same name as the seed.
The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered medical advise for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
