Botanists and scientific minds have been saying for years that a plant is a source of life. Not only do they provide food but they also provide lumber, clothing and other things derived from plants. Some plants are especially beneficial to a person’s health especially if he or she eats the seeds of the plant. An example of this is the chia seed.

The chia plant, known scientifically as Salvia hispanica, is a member of the mint family. It is commonly found in Guatemala and Mexico and has been cultivated since the time of the Aztecs. The chia plant is grown for its seeds, which are small and ovate in shape, and has white, black, brown and gray colors. The oil extracted from chia seeds is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds are particularly famous in southwestern United States and Mexico. Chia seeds may be eaten raw and provides fiber, fats and protein. Other food preparations that include the chia seed is pinole (ground chia seeds are mixed into flour made from toasted corn kernels), chia fresco (chia seeds in water or fruit juice) and baked goods (biscuits, breads and cakes). Soaked chia seeds are added to gruel, porridges and puddings.

Chia seeds have are rich in nutrients and have a lot of health benefits (although research regarding this is lacking and inconclusive). Aside from fat, dietary fiber and protein, chia seeds also contain calcium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and sodium which are essential minerals. Chia seeds are also a source of antioxidants which work against the free radicals that damage the cells in the body. The dietary fiber in the seeds can help a person lose weight and reduces the risks of colon disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

There has been an ongoing debate about the differences of the white, black and brown chia seeds. Some say that the white chia seeds are more nutritious than other types of chia seeds. Some people say that the black chia seeds have more fiber content but less protein content than the white ones. Other people said the brown chia seeds are really black chia seeds, only it is a shade lighter than the really black ones. Others also said that black and brown chia seeds have anthocyanins, the dark colored pigments found in different parts of the plants (leaves, stems, fruits and seeds). These anthocyanins have a lot of health benefits and help the body against aging, neurological diseases, cancer, diabetes, infection and inflammation.

For a lot of people, it is not about what color their chia seeds are. Most chia seeds, white, brown or black, despite having a tiny difference in the amount of fiber, fat and protein, will yield the same nutrients and health benefits. To get the best results, people often mix different colored chia seeds together. When you see the chia seeds, they really do not look totally white or totally black anyway.

Other benefits of chia seeds include:

• It boosts a person’s metabolism and produces more energy for the body.
• It is used as a food extender without the dangers of preservatives and added calories.
• It suppresses the appetite and aids with food digestion.
• It promotes nutritional balance for people on a diet.
• For women, it helps relieve the pain of menstrual cramps.
• For pregnant women, it helps prevent high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.
• For vegetarians and vegans, chia seeds are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

The issue of what color of chia seeds a person should take is immaterial since it does not really matter what color they are. The important thing is that you mix them up and add them in your diet to get the health benefits.