Historically chia was revered for their high energy and eaten as a staple by Aztecs and Mayans. It is reported that 1 tablespoon of chia could sustain an Aztec warrior for 24 hours There’s even some evidence to suggest that chia was so valuable to Aztecs that they were traded as currency. Extremely high in antioxidants and zinc, among other phytonutrients, chia, known as an adaptogen with its immune-boosting properties are tiny but potent. Two notable properties of chia are that it supports deep hydration and is an excellent source of high-quality fiber. Eating chia seeds regularly can also help quell inflammation, and have a powerful free radical scavenging ability. Chia is also a natural source of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly alpha-linolenic acid. Omega-3 EFAs are polyunsaturated "good" fats. They're "essential" because the body needs them for complete health, yet it cannot produce them on its own, and therefore they must be acquired through diet or supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids also help support the heart and general cardiovascular system health. In fact, chia is known to be one of the richest sources of the essential Omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. Chia contains up to three to ten times the Omega- content of most normal grains and contains at least twice the content of protein in most grains. Chia, the forgotten food of the ancient Aztecs is also rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals,.flavonoids (such as quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol), phenolic acids (such as caffeic acid), lignin, vitamins C and E, and it's a natural prebiotic. It is for this reason that Chia Seeds are often referred to as a "superfood".