Since the health benefits of omega-3 became common knowledge, you’ve been eating salmon once a week and sprinkling ground flaxseed over everything in sight. And, just like Grandma knew that seafood was “brain food” long before eating fish became trendy, ancient South Americans enjoyed chia, a type of sage, for centuries.

This superfood contains 18% omega-3, thoseamazingly healthy and nutritious fatty acids. Although this puts chia slightly behind flaxseed, it wins out in another department: Unlike the latter, you can get all the health benefits of chia without grinding it. Hungry for more information? Chia’s antioxidants make it a great cancer-preventing food, and it contains a high quantity of soluble fiber which turns into a gel when mixed with liquid.

Studies have shown that it can lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar and possibly even be used to treat diabetes. Chia is so high in soluble fiber, a mere two tablespoons provide the same amount of fiber as a whole cup of cooked rolled oats. If you’ve been longing for a healthy alternative to that daily bowl of morning porridge, look to your chia pet!
 

Getting Your Chia Dose

Chia is big on nutrition but short on taste. However, because of its texture, it works amazingly well in all kinds of drinks and desserts.

Chia fresca
Make this typical Mexican drink by stirring two teaspoons of chia into a glass of water, adding a squirt of lime and a sprinkling of sugar to taste.

Chia chocolate pudding Mix one part chia seeds with four parts heated chocolate milk. Stir and refrigerate for one to two hours.

living la vida local

Eating locally means you’ll leave a lighter carbon “foodprint” and enjoy better-tasting meals packed with nutrients.

But where to start?

Track down local producers, farmers’ markets, eco-friendly grocers and organic restaurants at localharvest.org.

To navigate the rough waters of seafood choices, go to blueocean.org; easy-to-read charts there list stock and toxin levels for different species, and a printable buying guide helps you make smart choices at the fish counter.

Another must-surf site is slowfoodusa.org, whose raison d’être is to reacquaint you with “taste, tradition and the honest pleasures of food.” Signe Langford