Mexican chia (Salvia hispanica) is a plant species from the sage genus (Salvia) within the Lamiaceae family.

(Lamiaceae), which originally occurs mainly in Mexico. It was one of the staple foods of the Maya and Aztecs. Salvia hispanica is an annual, herbaceous plant. This plant species grows to a height of up to 1 meter. The opposite leaves are 4 to 8 cm long and 3 to 5 cm wide. The flowers are blue and form numerous pseudo-whorls. It grows in well-drained soil in dry climates without frost. It flowers in September. In Mediterranean climates it is sown after the last frosts.

Ingredients

Chia seeds are known for their nutritious composition. Dietary fiber: with a good 30 -34 % fiber, chia is not only filling, but also a real intestinal cleanser. The seeds can absorb 12 times their volume when they come into contact with water. This slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates, which has a positive effect on diabetes. Chia seeds also stabilize the electrolyte balance and the polysaccharide balance in the intestine, which quickly has a positive effect on the nervous and immune systems. The fiber in chia, most of which is polysaccharide, has an equivalent effect to pectin, which has a positive effect when toxins and rheumatic inflammation have spread in the body.

Proteins: with approx. 20 % proteins, chia is an excellent source of amino acids. It is considered a plant-based protein donor.

Omega-3 fatty acids: with approx. 19 %, it is one of the best suppliers. This fatty acid regulates the blood fat content, especially the cholesterol ratio. This leads to better blood circulation, improved cardiac performance and regeneration of the blood vessels. It thus prevents arteriosclerosis, liver problems and vascular damage.

It also contains the following ingredients in high quantities: vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin B17, vitamin E, calcium, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, antioxidants, flavonoids.

Other effects: They slightly lower blood pressure and act as a blood thinner. They are popular with athletes for muscle-building training and are known as an endurance food. Chia is a good substitute for people with coeliac disease. You often hear about the side effects of chia. It is right to emphasize that people on blood pressure-lowering medication or blood thinners should consult a specialist, as chia seeds are effective in the long term. If taken in a targeted manner and in consultation with a specialist, the medication can be significantly reduced. In the case of intestinal problems such as constipation, flatulence and intestinal irritation, chia can enhance the effects in combination with medication. Here too, consultation with a specialist is important so that the medication can be reduced.

New findings

The Ratioars team has been studying the cultivation and effects of chia seeds for three years. On the one hand, one application of the plant is known but very little used. Chia seeds germinate quickly and happily. The 5 cm sprouts contain a wealth of secondary plant substances. As usual with sage, the effect is broad. It is antiseptic, bactericidal, promotes bile flow, strengthens the immune system and, above all, increases concentration. Chia is particularly effective for children with a weakness in this area. Another aspect that has been investigated is that chia is a plant-based substitute for fish. Due to its omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and phosphorus, it has the same properties as fish. What it lacks compared to sea fish is natural iodine. However, this can be compensated for with seaweed. Growing children in particular are dependent on the ingredients of fish / chia. One development that we would like to counter is the interest of some agribusinesses in genetically modifying chia. The consumption of chia has exploded in the USA over the last ten years. Hence the interest of the companies. We recommend chia from South America and no longer from Mexico. This is because these agribusinesses have already started to carry out experiments there. The cultivation of chia in South America and Australia is enjoying an ever-growing community of farmers who also have the necessary foresight to leave chia as it is. Especially as it is very easy to grow.