Aztec Super Grain

What the Spanish referred to as Salvia Hispanica L, refers to the Chia seed, black and white, used by the Aztecs of South America. But more recently, cultivated white seeds have begun to be marketed as Salba. You may not find it in your grocery store, but you might be able to get it in a health food store or natural food supermarket. Just two tablespoons a day added to your cereal, fruit smoothie, or even in the goodies you bake, can significantly contribute to your cardiovascular health, and reduce such risks of Type II diabetes. This whole grain is a rich source of protein, calcium, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, iron and antioxidants. In fact, it contains 15 times more magnesium than broccoli, three times more iron than spinach, and it is gluten free. It is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, and it won’t change the taste of the foods you add it to, the way flax or soy products do. It has been described as the richest source of omega 3’s and fiber found in nature. So, if you have been using flax seed for the health benefits, consider trying salba.

Increasing your daily intake of magnesium and fiber has been shown to reduce diabetes risk, so salba might be a good way to increase those in your diet. Many companies promote products based upon Salba, or simply sell the whole grain. Such products are still fairly new on the market, with some few items appearing in stores in the US market only in 2006, though there is a long history of human consumption with no adverse health effects.