National Chia Day
About National Chia Day
When is National Chia Day? This holiday is always celebrated on March 23
Today, we celebrate National Chia Day. Chia is a plant that packs a powerful and healthy punch. On this March 23 holiday, we are encouraged to learn all about the health benefits of consuming chia seeds and leaves. And, we are also encouraged to add chia to our daily diet. Consuming up to three tablespoons of seeds a day is enough to boost your energy level while making you healthier. The seeds have very little taste. So, you can add them to practically all of your favorite foods without altering their flavor.
The word “Chia “comes from the Mayan word for “Strength. Classified as Salvia hispanica, it is a member of the mint family. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, these plants are an annual herb that grows three to five feet tall. Mature plants produce an abundance of small blue flowers that yield a large number of small seeds. It is considered a superfood and is among the healthiest food you can eat. Ancient Aztec, Mayan and Mesoamerican tribes first harvested the seed for consumption over 3,500 years ago.
Did You Know? Chia seeds were once used by Aztecs as a form of currency.
The Health Benefits of Chia
Ancient Central and South American cultures have recognized the health benefits for thousands of years. These ancient tribes learned that chia seeds give energy and strength. They carried sacks of the seeds to battle, to work in the fields, when hunting, or while doing other strenuous activities. A spoonful or gave them the energy they needed to perform these tasks.
In more recent centuries, scientists identified the tremendous benefits of these seeds. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, nutrients and micro-nutrients, protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty assets. As you already know, all of these components are good for you.
Here are some interesting scientific facts about the seeds:
- They have 30% more antioxidants than blueberries.
- They contain eight times more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon.
- The seeds have twice as much potassium as bananas.
- It contains 10 times more calcium than milk.
Medicinal Uses of Chia
There is a healthy reason to celebrate National Chia Day. In addition to being a nutritious superfood, it also has a number of medicinal applications. Among them are:
- It reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Use it as a treatment for inflammation.
- It aids digestive health. It is high in fiber.
- It even improves brain function.
- The seeds can help to promote weight loss.
- Use it to treat diverticulitis.
- The high fiber seeds absorb water. As a result, bowel movements pass more easily.
How to Participate in National Chia Day
This is a healthy food holiday. So without guilt, you can enjoy National Chia Day and know you are doing something good for your health as you enjoy it.
- Add chia seeds and sprouts to your diet today. Then, make it a part of your regular diet.
- See how many things you can add the seeds to. We suggest salads, soups, pudding, potatoes, and sprinkled atop the frosting on a cake. The ideas are endless.
- Make something with chia and bring it to work to share it with co-workers.
- Introduce this superfood to others.
- Grow a chia pet.
- Buy The Chia Cookbook.
- Share recipes with friends.
- Spread the news about your love of this superfood on social media.
Today's Quote
“If it was raining soup, the Irish would go out with forks.” – – Brendan Behan
History and Origin of National Chia Day
In 2009, Janie Hoffman founded Mamma Chia Company. According to Hoffman ” fueled by my passion for chia and my commitment to be of service to humanity and the planet, I founded Mamma Chia”. She went on to say it is a “conscious and sustainable company dedicated to sharing delicious, nutrient-rich, organic plant-based beverages and snacks powered by chia.” Then in 2016, she created National Chia Day to promote the increased use of this superfood. Janie Hofman is also the author of “The Chia Cookbook”.
Also, we found no documentation in congressional records to confirm that this is truly a national day. Nor, did we find a presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – Find out why it is important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
Besides National Chia Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- Patrick Henry declares “Give me liberty, or give me death!” (1775)
- Elisha Otis installs the first elevator at 488 Broadway in New York City. Elevators still carry his name. (1857)
- Rocket pioneer and scientist Werner von Braun was born on this day in 1912.
Related Holidays and Information
More March 23 Holidays
Besides National Chia Day, here are more March 23 holidays we are sure you will enjoy:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date in March. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous March Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for National Chia Day or just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Flower of the Day: Allium
Recipe of the Day: Dill Weed Dip
Holiday Insights, where every day in March is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Hence, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Moreover, in addition to National Chia Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. March holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.