Chia, is familiar to most of us as a seed used in the Chia Pet, those clay animals with sprouted seeds covering them. Not many people know about the seeds amazing nutritional value and medicinal properties. For centuries the Indians of the south west and Mexico used this seed as a staple part of their diet and known as the running food. ,Aztec warriors apparently consumed Chia seeds during their battles eating only a teaspoon full before a day of strenuous activity. Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would use Chia seeds as their only nourishment. When mixing the Chia seed in a glass of water, after 30 minutes it turns to gelatin. This is because of the soluble fiber in the seed. Research shows the seeds form a gel in the stomach which creates a barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down. This means the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar is slowed down creating better use of energy.