Did you know that healthy chia seeds are the fruit of a Mexican sage plant?
In this article, we will share some interesting facts about the history and origin of Mexican chia and take you with us to Mexico and Central America.
Where Tarahumara Indians drink the chia drink chia fresca during their incredible long-distance runs through mountains and jungles.
Where Aztecs sacrificed the valuable miracle seeds to their gods and used them as a remedy. And at the end, we'll even give you some delicious recipe ideas with chia seeds for your healthy breakfast.
Chia seeds as a superfood of the Tarahumara Indians
The Tarahumara Indians have been aware of chia seeds as a superfood for centuries. This people is native to the mountainous southwest of Chihuahua, Mexico.
Since time immemorial, they have had to travel incredible distances on foot in the rugged landscape of high mountains and deep canyons. They had to take these arduous routes through mountains and jungles both when searching for food and when visiting neighboring settlements.
Traditionally, they have met this challenge with sports and also organize races and ritual 24-hour runs. Today, the Tarahumara Indians are famous worldwide as long-distance runners.
The superfood chia seeds – read more
Chia fresca or chia iskiate – the ideal drink for runners
How did the Tarahumara become mountain ultramarathon runners? According to legend, they consumed a drink made from chia seeds: chia fresca, or chia iskiate in the Tarahumara language.
The preparation consists of chia seeds soaked in water and the juice of fresh citrus fruits. It is noteworthy that the nutrients in chia seeds are ideally composed for long periods of physical exertion.
In addition, the water stored by the swollen chia seeds is absorbed more slowly by the athlete's body, so that chia fresca can prevent dehydration.
The Tarahumara recognized the value of this superfood long ago.
Aztecs and Chia Seeds
The Aztecs already knew about the numerous effects of chia seeds and used their knowledge in agriculture and agriculture to achieve large harvests of the valuable seeds.
They used the seeds as food for their hunters and fighters when they had to endure arduous and lengthy adventures.
At the same time, the Aztecs also knew about the positive side effects of chia seeds and used the seeds of the chia plant for medical purposes to treat wounds and injuries, as well as digestive problems. Chia seeds were also healthy for Aztec women.
Where does the name “chia” come from?
The word “Chia” means something like “power” or “strength”. It comes from the old Central American language Nahuatl. This language has been spoken for centuries in the former territory of the Aztecs – it is the language of the ancient Aztecs.
They named the valuable seeds as Chia seeds because they gave them the power and strength to become the most powerful culture in the country.
When were the miracle seeds discovered?
Chia seeds had been known and valued for thousands of years in their country of origin for their nutritional value and effects until they were brought to Europe by Spanish conquistadors.
The Swedish naturalist Linnaeus named the chia plant Salvia hispanicum, or Spanish sage, because he found the plant in Spain.
It was only in 2009 that the miracle seeds became known to the general public through the book “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall.
Since then, they have been rapidly gaining popularity among fitness and health enthusiasts.
Chia seeds as an offering to the gods
Not only were chia seeds healthy, they were so important to the Aztecs that they were part of their religious life.
To ensure abundant harvests and the continued existence of their civilization, they implored their gods and sacrificed their most valuable goods: chia seeds were, of course, also part of these offerings.
The Aztecs made an oil from pressed and ground chia seeds, which they used to immortalize significant motifs as wall paintings.
Use of chia seeds today
Today, chia seeds are valued for their excellent nutrient composition and are even considered a superfood. Chia seeds are an undisputed superfood for the following reasons:
- very high protein content
- high content of unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- rich in slow-digesting carbohydrates
- many regulating dietary fibers
- important B vitamins and trace elements such as iron, calcium and potassium.
And now we'll give you some ideas and recipes with chia seeds so you can see how easily you can use these little miracle seeds for yourself.
Use chia seeds as a filling source of energy in your porridge, muesli, or granola for a healthy breakfast. No stress in the morning – they are a particularly protein-rich ingredient in time-saving overnight oats.
In the delicious Chia Seed Smoothie Bowl, chia seeds provide creaminess. Since they have the ability to bind water, they are an important ingredient in the preparation of the delicious chia seed pudding.
And maybe Chia Iskate will give you the energy you need for a new personal record in long-distance running.
