If you have not yet heard about the amazing benefits of the chia seed, well,listen up! Chia was made popular by the novelty Chia Pet! You remember...cha cha cha CHIA! Well, who knew you could actually EAT those seeds AND that they offer a world of health benefits? Chia seeds were dubbed the "running seed" by the ancient Aztecs, as they would carry these teensy powerballs in their pockets when they were away hunting or at battle. Chia seeds would provide all the energy and fuel these men needed. Chia seeds contain more Omega-3 fatty acids than flax, at 62.3% per serving, with flax containing 54.4%. EFAs (essential fatty acids) help to provide the building blocks of healthy skin, as they help "water proof" it among other functions.

It is recommended that we have a healthy ratio of between 1:1 and 4:1 of Omega-3 to Omega-6. In our Western society, we get, on average 30 times more Omega-6 than Omega-3 (foods such as corn and soy byproducts have extremely skewed ratios and these products find their ways into many of our familiar foods)! Chia contains 3 times the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids than Omega-6. Consuming chia helps balance out the ratio of fatty acid, and this balance equates to healthy, normal brain function and superior function of all your body's developmental processes, including producing healthy skin, hair and nails.

Chia is also high in fiber, with the ability to absorb up to 30 times its weight in water, meaning it can help clean the intestines by being able to carry out with it debris and toxic waste built up in there by the masses! This would have a major effect on how you look on the outside as well. You radiate from within. If you are clean on the inside, you are beautiful on the outside. Chia contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E as well, but the catch is that is also contains Cinnamic acids, which help guard the Omega-3 oils from oxidation (going rancid by the addition of oxygen-think of the process of metal rusting or an apple turning brown after it's cut). Chia is extremely stable! Again, what does this mean for you? It means that the antioxidants (which help prevent aging effects) Vitamin C and Vitamin E, are extremely bioavailable to your body.

Here are some easy ways to incorporate chia into your eating lifestyle so that you can experience all its amazing benefits:

• sprinkle chia seeds in salads
• add to green drinks or smoothies
• add to oatmeal
• try Greens+ Bars with Chia (so good!!)
• make Chia Gel: put 9 parts water in sealable container. Pour 1 part chia seed into water, mix with wire wisk to avoid clumping, let sit a few minutes. Stir again to break up clumps and let stand for 10 min. Store up to 2 weeks in fridge. You can then add this gel to foods such as smoothies, nut butters, sauces, and hot or cold cereals. It has a slight nutty flavor and it is 90% water, so you will be adding volume to your food without calories!

Try chia! Good things truly do come in small packages!