OmegaChia™ Oil- Highest Known Plant Source of Omega-3'sChia seed, often called the “forgotten crop of the Americas,” was among the primary foods of the Aztec civilization. The ancient chia seed was perhaps the first superfood, and was most valued after corn. Chia is the highest known plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical to many of the body’s systems. Source Naturals now introduces a high-density omega-3 product, OmegaChia Oil. Current research confirms that omega-3s offer vast benefits to the brain and the circulatory system. As a result, omega-3s have been widely recognized as an important addition to the modern diet for maintaining health. Source Naturals OmegaChia Oil is antiinflammatory, and provides an abundant supply of ALA which can convert to EPA and DHA in the body.
Source Naturals has identified twelve deep metabolic functions that serve to maintain overall health known as SystemiCare™. OmegaChia Oil is a featured product in Source Naturals’ SystemiCare system.
Ancient Superfood Chia is an ancient superfood consumed by Aztec warriors for strength, endurance, and vitality. Revered by a succession of Aztec emperors, chia was so valued that it was used as currency and offered to their gods. The seeds were even placed within the tombs of the Mayan and Aztec emperors for the next world. Royal planters employed by the emperors grew chia seeds in “floating gardens” surrounding their capital city of Tenochtitlan. Modern farmers are discovering the potential of chia and are cultivating it throughout the southwest. Chia’s extremely high content of omega-3s, fiber and antioxidants creates exceptional possibilities for the improvement of health and nutrition. Chia can be considered the perfect functional food. In ancient times, warriors and runners carried a sack of chia seeds or flour to eat for stamina and sustenance. Natives running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would bring only chia seed for nourishment. Indigenous natives could run continuously for 12 hours on chia alone, which became known as “the running food.” Today, long distance runners in many countries train on chia seed. High-Density Omega-3 The omega-3 fatty acids, ALA, EPA and DHA, are critical to healthy cellular development. In studies, chia seed was found to be the richest plant source of omega-3 fatty acids available, with more than 60% of its fat content as omega-3s. Chia contains the alpha linolenic fatty acid known as ALA, which, when consumed, can convert to EPA and DHA in the body. Chia’s unequaled omega-3 fatty acid stability is the result of its plentiful natural antioxidants. It has even more omega-3s than flaxseed, which has other limitations nutritionally. Modern diets include too much omega-6, but not enough omega-3s. An overabundance of omega-6 fatty acids can trigger inflammatory responses. In contrast, omega-3s produce vital compounds that minimize inflammatory response. Chia’s high quantities of omega-3s support the body’s fatty acid balance, support healthy inflammation response, and assist with brain function. Nutrient-Dense Power Chia is one of the most nutrient-dense foods known to man. Chia seed has been long respected for its ability to sustain, give endurance and provide a wide variety of nutrients. It’s highly valued by athletes because it slows the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar, creating long-term sustainable energy. This process reduces appetite as well. Chia seeds are 30% oil, which is plentiful in omega-3s, and is concentrated in Source Naturals OmegaChia Oil. Chia is packed with B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc and copper. Chia contains more iron than spinach, and even more antioxidants than blueberries. Versatile and Nutritious Try including Source Naturals OmegaChia Oil in smoothies and meals for a nutritious addition to your daily diet. OmegaChia Oil can be mixed with spreads and put on crackers or bread, or baked into your favorite recipes. Chia has come full circle from the days of Aztec warriors carrying the seeds in sacks to maintain stamina throughout their long days. Today, people are discovering the nutrient-rich properties and delicious new uses of an ancient staple, chia. In the SystemiCare™ health model, Source Naturals has identified twelve deep metabolic functions that serve to maintain overall health. OmegaChia Oil supports four of these twelve major metabolic functions – Circulation, Inflammation Response, Antioxidant Defense and Sugar Regulation. References 1. Ayerza, R., Jr., Coates W. Chia. Rediscovering the forgotten crop of the Aztecs. The University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ. 2005.
2. Gropper SAS, Smith JL, Groff JL. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. 4th ed. Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2004.
3. Mantzioris E, James MJ, Gibson RA, Cleland LG. Dietary substitution with alpha- linolenic acid–rich vegetable oil increases eicosapentaenoic acid concentrations in tissues. American Journal of Clinican Nutrition. 1994; 59:1304-9.
4. Taga MS, Miller EE, Pratt DE. Chia seeds as a source of natural lipid antioxidants. Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society. 1984; 61 (5):928-31. |
