Chia Seeds: Superfood Breakthrough!

21/05/08 GNC, dedicated to bringing new and innovative supplement options to the self-healthcare market, has launched the sale of NuGreens Chia Pure in its stores nationwide.

Chia seeds – cultivated for their wholesome, superfood properties – can be sprinkled onto cereals, soups, salads, yogurt or smoothies, or worked into baked goods. Superfoods are deemed some of the healthiest, most nutrient-rich foods on the planet: In fact, Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, as well as antioxidants, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and protein.

“These chia seeds are an excellent source of so many vital nutrients, good for so many different body parts and functions,” said Guru Ramanathan, Ph.D., senior vice president of technology and product innovation at GNC’s Pittsburgh headquarters. “Gram for gram, they supply more calcium than whole milk, more protein than kidney beans and more fiber than bran flakes. They also provide more ALA omega-3s than flax seeds.”

Omega-3s (typically found in fatty fish like tuna and salmon) support healthy blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and promote overall cardiovascular health. In fact, several leading heart health associations have determined that people prone to heart disease should consume at least one gram of omega-3s per day. Omega-3s also promote healthy brain and nervous system functions, eye health, joint health and skin health.

Fiber helps a person to feel full, increasing satiety and suppressing appetite. The soluble fiber in Chia Pure actually slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, binds to toxins and helps to eliminate waste.