Herbal Information on Chia Seed, Whole Certified Organic

Common Name: Chia Seed, Wild Chia Seed

Botanical Name:  Salvia hispanica

Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.

Package Size:   1 pound

Form: Whole seed

Dosage: Follow doctors instructions on how to use this herb.

Certified Organic:   Yes

Origin:  Mexico

Brand: Starwest Botanicals

Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

California Prop 65 

Additional Information:

Benefits of Chia Seeds

• Commonly used when cooking breads, cakes, muffins, biscuits, or oatmeal
  
• Good Source for Omega - 3 Fatty Acids
• Contains Vitamins and Minerals such as Calcium, Potassium, and Iron
• Benefits Digestion
• Supports the Cardiovascular System
• Aids in Building Healthy Bones
• Promotes Regularity of Bowel Movements
• Aids in Healthy Skin
• Promoting Normal Blood Pressure
• High in Phosphorus and Magnesium
• Encourages Balancing of Blood Sugar
• Enhances Oral Health
• Chia seeds are one of the best sources of plant protein, a whopping 14% protein overall

Chia Seed is a member of the Mint family, however it was not very widely known outside of Mexico and the southwestern United States until recently. In prehispanic times the Chia Seed was one the most important foods of the Aztecs.  When translated from the Mayan language, the word Chia means "Strength".

The taste of the Chia seed, is somewhat bland, which allows for it to be blended into almost any smoothie, puddings or baked goods.

Chia Seed has become popular again due to its many benefits. Chia Seed is very rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Chia Seed can be eaten raw as a dietary fiber, or Chia Seed can be ground up and used it to create a meal called pinole. Like corn meal, pinole can be used to make cakes, breads, biscuits and porridge's.

Chia seeds are a concentrated food contained in about two tablespoons full:

• Omega 3
• Fatty acids
• Carbohydrates
• 139 calories
• 4 Grams of protein
• 9 grams of fat
• 11 grams of fiber
• Plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
• There are 205 milligrams of calcium in a serving of Chia seeds

Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:

• How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
• How to make a citrus facial splash
• Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
• Citrus potpourri basket       

About Starwest Botanicals Quality Control

Starwest Botanicals validated quality assurance testing includes: 
• Organoleptic testing to ensure proper appearance, color, aroma and flavor. 
• Microscopic and Macroscopic inspection for foreign matter.
• HPTLC for identification, to verify purity and authenticity. 
• ICP-MS heavy metal analysis.
• Microbiology testing for pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella.
• Chemical analyses for moisture content, volatile oil, ash and acid insoluble ash.

Audits all suppliers yearly to assure they meet our GMP requirements

Laboratory Analysis

Samples are retained from all shipments are thoroughly tested and compared to our extensive reference library of dried herbs and botanicals to verify authenticity. All lot samples are kept for five years and can be traced for verification.

Starwest Botanicals utilizes not only their in-house laboratory, but also independent labs and consultants to guarantee their analyses are complete. Testing includes organoleptic analysis for aroma, color, flavor and texture. Physical testing involves moisture, volatile oil content, heavy metals, microbiology, thin layer chromatography, and other tests specific to each herb.

References:
http://www.well-beingsecrets.com/benefits-of-chia-seeds/
Starwest-Botanicals.com
http://www.foodmatters.com/article/14-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3518271/ 
https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a19596889/health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/