Chia seeds are powerful: calorie for calorie, it ranks as one of the most nutritious foods on planet earth. These tiny black seeds of the chia plant are given to hyperbole: a scan across the nutrition facts reveals the following for 1 serving (1 ounce) of chia seeds. 

• 11 grams of fiber
• 4 grams protein
• 9 grams healthy fat (half from omega-3s) 

And varying percentages of the following minerals: 

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Manganese 
• Phosphorous
• Copper
• Selenium 
• Iron

They are also chalk-full of anti-oxidants which help to eliminate free radicals and prevent the oxidation of other molecules in the body. All of this for just under 138 calories.  From a chiropractor’s perspective, chia seeds are important because the richness of minerals helps preserve bone density. The omega-3s are important for people looking to manage conditions relating to chronic inflammation. 

Is it too good to be true? Absolutely not, and the news gets even better: they can be tasty too. 2 tablespoons constitute a serving and its up to you how to consume them. They can be added raw into just about any meal: a favorite of mine is mixing 2 tablespoons into oatmeal. The hot porridge helps to make the seeds mushy, and they mix in easier; as far as taste goes, you hardly even notice them. 

For anyone looking to fortify their bones, regulate their nervous and immune systems and ease the discomfort associated with inflammation, chia seeds should be on the next shopping list. 

Dr. Francis Scorca, D.C.