Earlier in 2012, the European Union’s Register on Nutrition and Health Claims stated that “ALA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.” For those of you who do not know what ALA is, alpha-linolenic acid is a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and help prevent chronic conditions like heart disease and arthritis. They are also important for brain health and development, and now we know they assist in maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels as well.
The claim made by the European Union only applies to food that is at least a source of ALA. Consumers should be aware that this particular beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of at least 2 grams of ALA. Since a 15 to 25 gram serving of chia contains around 3 to 5 grams of ALA, it easily meets this requirement. Chia is an incredible food with many health benefits that you really don’t want to miss out on. Visit our store at AZChia.com and see how easy and affordable it can be to add chia to your diet today!