Most people today are aware that essential fatty acids are needed in our daily diets, but what exactly is an essential fatty acid? Essential fatty acids cannot be synthesized in the body, and therefore have to be obtained from foods. They are precursors of crucial hormones that affect many biological processes, such as maintaining healthy skin and aiding in cholesterol metabolism.

For humans and other animals, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are the essential fatty acids of choice. Modern diets are quite rich in omega-6, but rarely do we obtain enough omega-3 for our bodies to function properly. The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is between 1:1 and 3:1. Today’s diets are typically greater than 15:1 omega-6/omega-3, which increases the risk of coronary heart disease. This also heightens the body’s natural inflammatory processes.

Chia seed is the highest known plant source of omega-3 fatty acids. This means, that in most cases, adding chia to your daily diet can drastically lower your risk of coronary heart disease. Purchase some chia from AZChia today and see what this very special food can do for you!