Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are among the healthiest foods on the planet.

They’re loaded with nutrients that can have important benefits for your body and brain.

Don't be fooled by the size — these tiny seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch.

A one-ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains (1):

• Fiber: 11 grams.
• Protein: 4 grams.
• Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are omega-3s).
• Calcium: 18% of the RDI.
• Manganese: 30% of the RDI.
• Magnesium: 30% of the RDI.
• Phosphorus: 27% of the RDI.
• They also contain a decent amount of zinc, vitamin B3 (niacin), potassium, vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2.

This is particularly impressive considering that this is just a single ounce, equalling 28 grams or about two tablespoons. This small amount supplies only 137 calories and one gram of digestible carbohydrate.

Interestingly, if you subtract the fiber — most of which doesn’t end up as usable calories for your body — chia seeds only contain 101 calories per ounce (28 grams).

This makes them one of the world's best sources of several important nutrients, calorie for calorie.