Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!

November 28, 2001

Forget about growing chia “pets”—that was for the 80s. Instead, sprinkle some chia onto your breakfast. As a recent article in The New York Times points out, these little seeds have recently made a comeback as a trendy health item. The nutritional buzz is more than just hype: Chia is loaded with fiber and calcium, and even offers some protein. Mostly though, it’s a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially when eaten ground, rather than whole. Many companies have recently added chia seeds to cereals, protein bars and other snacks. My personal favorite are chia seed fruit juices—they’re both sweet and satisfying, and they tickle the tongue. It’s like a more fun version of a smoothie.