Chia seed

Introduction: Chia, a seed-bearing grain crop, scientific name Salvia hispanica, and a member of the Lamiaceae family. The seeds of the plant  are filled with large amounts of dietary fiber,  essential fatty acids -omega 3, and plenty of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals including antioxidantsThese important materials having a variety of benefits to boost the metabolism of human health, supporting teeth and bones health, improves digestive and cardiac health, reducing blood sugar and cholesterol  levels, improves the immune system and  boosting weight loss including reduction of inflammation of human body Besides having medicinal values/ properties, the seeds are used to prepare bread, cake, chips, Frankfurter, ice cream, and pudding including adding in drinks providing lot of energy to keep our body fit .The oil after extraction of seed could also be used as a nutritious addition in smoothies and other meals, and support brain health as the fatty acids have neuroprotective effects that lead to reduced risk of stork, depression and Alzheimer’s disease including care of skin, hair and anticancer medicinal drug-related activities. Agronomy: The chia seeds, oval-shaped about 2 millimeters wide, tiny with a combination of black, grey, brown and white (Fig 1) considered as superfood as packed up with nutritional value and gaining attention in now a dayall over the world. Chia seeds can germinate in different types of soil including different media as soilless cultures(Fig 2)and can be cultivated commercially from both seeds and seedlings. However, growing plantlets from seeds can be the best part of propagating as they can germinate and grow in any substratum/ media (Fig 3 &4). Just sprinkle the seeds over the media, watering and after 3 days it will be germinated. Leaves of the plant are oppositely arranged, green, and thick, and have serrated (toothed) margins containing long petioles with net venation (Fig 5). It grows well in temperatures between 20-36 degrees Celsius, however, at higher temperatures germination and also the growth and development rates are higher compared to lower (Fig 6). Nutritional values: Chia seeds have tremendous nutritional value.100 grams of Chia seeds contain about 485 calories,6% water, 31 grams of heart-healthy fats ( omega 3 fatty acids), 34 gm dietary fiber, 42 grams of carbohydrates, 0 g sugar, 16 g proteinincluding including important amino acids as lysine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, valine, and histidine . Sources and Important uses: Sources of Fiber, vitamins and minerals: Chia seeds contain insoluble fiber like cellulose a potential part of humans’ daily diet, which helps to regulate the digestive system and remove harmful chemicals and waste materials from the body. Vitamins are crucial micronutrients that keep the body’s cells functioning. Seeds of chia are also an important source of protein, soluble fats with vitamins like A, D, E, K including vitamins B complex like thiamine (B1), and riboflavin (B2). niacin(B3), biotin (B7), folic acid(B9) and cyanocobalamin (B12). Like vitamins, minerals are also essential inorganic components for healthy body functions growth of biological systems and building of strong bones. Besides, chia seeds are rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, copper, selenium, etc as essential minerals. Sources of antioxidant and Omega 3: Antioxidants (polyphenols and carotenoids) and Omega 3 are very important components for the proper functioning of the human body. Antioxidants generally protect the body cells from damage by slowing down the process of oxidation. Thus, seeds of chia are considered as important source of antioxidants, benefit the heart and liver and protect from early aging and certain types of cancer  Besides, seeds containing high omega 3 fatty acids, these fats play an active and vital role in digestion, helping to reduce blood pressure, risk of obesity including overall body functioning (Fig 7). Hair: Chia seeds contain essential amino acids, zinc and copper, prevent thinning of hair and thus helping hair growth Nervous system: Chia seeds contain omega 3 fatty acids including B vitamins which support, and nourish the brain and help the nervous system to work efficiently Circulatory system: Components of chia seeds helps to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and platelet aggregation including improving the efficiency of oxidation work as a blood thinner and ultimately protecting from cardiovascular disease (CVD) Respiratory system: Chia seeds are a good source of omega 3. Fatty acids of omega 3, act as active inflammatory nutrients with protective effects in inflammatory diseases. Therefore, to maintain healthy lungs we should take chia. Digestive system: The soluble fiber of chia seeds helps to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol, slow down the digestive process, including the prevention of blood sugar spikes after having a meal and provide a feeling of fullness. Besides, the fiber helps the stomach to produce good bacteria, keeping the digestive system to work properly. Urinary System: Good source of unsaturated fats help to offer bladder-supporting properties with anti-inflammatory benefits Reproductive system: Unsaturated Fatty acids of chia seeds, regulate hormones, promote ovulation and improve uterine and reproductive health In recent years, it has been used as a popular and nutritious ingredient in many food items all over the world to achieve potential health benefits Add in meals: To add in salad: Sprinkle chia seeds over the favorite and delicious salad every day to incorporate the nutritional benefits including reducing the urge to overeat, which helps reduce the weight  As oatmeal: As a cereal, chia seeds could be used as a nutritious and preferred oatmeal at breakfast, which help to keep the stomach full and reduce hunger for a longer time which ultimately slow down the digestion of carbohydrates. To prepare smoothies: Mixing chia seeds in drinks, especially in smoothies or other beverage recipes will help to boost fibers and nutrients in our body To prepare chia peanut butter:  To prepare a smooth paste to spread on toast or bread, could be prepared by chia seeds with peanut or any nut butter mixed in a blender until smooth to add in morning diet. To prepare baking goods: By adding chia seeds in dough of flour before baking to prepare tasty bread, cakes, … Read more