Benefits of Chia

Natural health horse supplement
All in One Seed — CHIA is an organic nutritional boost with many benefits!

Chia eliminates the need for multiple sources of protein, essential oils and sand-clearing products. Chia is highly palatable and safe for all breeds and ages of pleasure, breeding and performance horses.

* Highest plant source ratio 3:1 Omega 3 to 6 essential oils.
* Prevents sand colic and impactions.
* Mucilaginous fiber for healthy digestion.
* Aids healing and helps prevent ulcers.
* Effective for treating Insulin-Resistance.
* FDA approved Dietetic Nutritional Supplement.
* Complete protein with all 9 amino-acids.
* Rich in antioxidants and minerals.
* Excellent source of Calcium and Magnesium.
* 100% natural, organic — No mechanical, chemical processing.


Benefits of Chia Seed

* Promotes a healthy, glossy coat
* Stronger, faster growing hooves
* Helps prevent laminitis and insulin disorders
* Boosts the immune system
* Good for respiratory system
* Calms hot nervous temperaments
* Eases mare cycles and estrus inflammation
* Maintains supple joints and healing in connective tissues
* Assists correct development of nervous system, brain, muscles and skeleton
* Repairs & maintains cellular walls
* Anti-inflammatory — can act like "Bute"
* Aids wound healing
* Supports a healthy heart and blood circulation
* Has anti-allergic properties
* Encourages a strong metabolism
* Chia has no strong flavor, easy to top dress
* Easy to store, keeps up to two years
* Economical — replaces several products in one simple grain
* Horses love it!




Please contact me to purchase, I am adding to my store as soon as I have exact pricing!

Equine Chia

Equine Chia
Natural, Organic Horse Supplement
Chia Nutrition

Chia has the substance essential to cell life—a balanced property of giving out (nutrients) and readily taking up (debris). The name Chia is derived from the Aztec word, chian, meaning oily. It is an ancient seed being rediscovered in America with balanced nutritional components. These tiny seeds are highly palatable! Chia is easy to top-dress on feed with a very mild nutty flavor. Horses love it.
Chia is an excellent source of EFA's (essential oils), antioxidants, minerals, protein, soluble (mucilage) fiber and low NSC (non structural carbohydrate).
According to the FDA, Chia seed is considered a "dietary supplement" and its nutritional content complies with the strict regulations required by the organization to qualify as a "healthy food". (Food and Drug Administration, USA) Top ^
Chia and Omega Oils
Chia is high in the magic Omega's. Chia seeds contain 32-39% oil. Even more important is the crucial balance of 3 times more Omega 3 than Omega 6 in Chia. Two-thirds of Chia oil is Omega-3 essential fatty acid (polyunsaturated) while only 10% are saturated fatty acid. Because Omega-3 sources are becoming increasingly scarce in the world, we need to turn our attention to Chia.
Fresh green grass, a horse's natural diet, is very low in fat at only 4% to 6%. But horses do require a dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats because the body can't manufacture them.
Grasses contain anywhere from four to six times as much omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid as they do omega-6 alpha-linoleic acid. This means that a horse would normally take in a much higher level of omega-3s than omega-6s. Unfortunately, omega-3 fats are very fragile. When grass is cut, the omega-3 content is rapidly lost. The omega-6 fatty acids are a bit more resistant to breakdown. Hay, therefore, is lower in omega-3 compared to omega-6 than fresh grass.
The situation just gets worse if you feed vegetable oils, grains, seeds, or high-fat seed meals. These are also high in omega-6 fatty acids. In comparison, Chia oil is 62-64 percent, flaxseed oil is 58 percent, menhaden fish oil is 29 percent.
The only readily available feed ingredient, high in omega-3 fatty acids—without processing—is Chia seed. Top ^
Chia and Fiber — Sand Clearing
Chia is hydrophilic (water absorbing); the gelatinous property of the seeds (upon getting wet in the gut) clears sand more effectively than expensive psyllium products. It has the capacity to absorb large amounts of liquid, increasing the volume passing through the digestive tract, stimulating the intestinal transit. This important feature clears sand and debris out of the horse's gut naturally, assists with regulating stool movement, helps prevent sand colic and diverticulitis.
Because Chia is a natural seed, and easily digestible, it can be safely fed daily. This virtually eliminates the need for psyllium products. Chia is high in soluble fiber, providing 27.6 grams of fiber for every 100 grams of seed.
Chia—mucilage gel increases in volume by 12x.
Psyllium—mucilage gel increases in volume by 10x.
Flax—mucilage gel increases in volume by 6x.
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Preventing Ulcers
Chia is soothing to the gut with a mucilaginous gel, which eases inflammation caused by sand and ulcers. Chia acts as a barrier between the carbohydrates and the enzymes of the stomach. The slower metabolism results in less build-up of acid in the stomach. Horses are prone to ulcers because they constantly produce stomach acid.
Slower Metabolism of Carbohydrates
Chia is a very low NSC (non-structural carbohydrate). Chia forms a mucilaginous gel in the digestive tract and creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. The slower metabolism results in a more even blood-sugar level, a huge advantage for Insulin-Resistant horses.
Enhanced Fluid & Electrolyte Balances
Chia provides greater efficiency in the utilization of body fluids and absorption of nutrients, helping to maintain electrolyte balance. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances occur when large amounts of fluids are lost resulting from diarrhea, colic, fever, ulcers or sweating. Extracellular fluid loss occurs in these conditions. Intercellular fluid then shifts out of cells to compensate, causing abnormal distribution of electrolytes resulting in cellular malfunction.
Chia seeds give extensive hydration. Hydrophilic colloids, (a watery, gelatinous, sticky substance) form the underlying elements of all living cells. Chia has the substance essential to cell life—a balanced property of giving out (nutrients) and readily taking up (debris).
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Chia and Protein
Chia Seeds contain all nine essential amino acids for a complete protein. Chia has 19-23% protein content, which is more protein than traditional grains such as wheat (13.7%), rice (6.5%), corn (9.4%), barley (12.5%) and oats (16.9%). Research performed on Chia's digestibility and biological value has proven that Chia is an excellent protein source.
There are no limitations in Chia's amino acid content, therefore, it can be included in the horse diet to improve protein balance by itself or when mixed with other grains. Top ^
Chia Vitamins and Minerals
Chia Seed is an ancient wonder food—a whole food source of balanced ratios of vitamins, minerals and Omega oils.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper. Chia contains the mineral Boron that facilitates the absorption of Calcium. It has 6 times more Calcium than does milk, according the USDA (2001), Brown (2003), and the Instituto Nacional de Alimentos (2003).
Chia is a rich source of Vitamin B, with a higher niacin content than corn, rice or even soy. Its thiamine and riboflavin content is similar corn and rice. Top ^
Chia and Antioxidants
Chia is highly enriched with antioxidants to protect its PUFAs (essential Omega oils) from becoming oxidized and going rancid, to the extent that chia seed can be stored at room temperature until use—which makes it easy to store at the barn. It does not go rancid quickly or lose its nutritional properties. Air pollutants, smoke, herbicides, pesticides and even some rancid fats are examples of free radical-generating elements that horses consume or inhale that cannot be eliminated by the body. These cause cell damage.
Antioxidants are a group of vegetal elements that can block the harmful effects of these so-called "free radicals." The most important antioxidants in Chia are chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid as well as myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol flavonols. These antioxidants have been shown to provide protection to lipids, proteins, and DNA from oxidation, and work to inhibit lipid per oxidation with strong free radical and superoxide scavenging activity. They are more effective than vitamin C and vitamin E in their antioxidant properties (Kweon, Hwang, and Sung, 2001). Top ^
Chia vs. Flax
Flax is not good in large, continuous amounts in the diet. Detailed information is available in a book titled, Chia: Rediscovering a Forgotten Crop of the Aztec , (University of Arizona Press 2005), written and researched by expert Dr. Wayne Coates, with co-author, agronomist Ricardo Ayerza. Dr. Coates holds a doctorate in Agricultural Engineering from Oklahoma State University.
Many people today have turned to the consumption of flax seeds or flax seed oils for supplementing their diets with omega-3 fatty acids, but there are serious problems with the use of flax seed in the diet. There are some toxins and antinutritional factors found in flax seed.
Flax was never considered a food by any civilization. The hard outer shell makes it indigestible. Flax fiber used for clothing and oil for lighting were made from the stalks and seeds by ancient cultures such as the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Arabs (Cooley, 1899; Gil, 1965p Crawford, 1979; Palagia, 1984; Mayerson, 1997). Flax is mentioned eighty-nine times in the Bible (Moldenke and Moldenke, 1952); as a source of fiber for clothing, not for food.
"In order to safely use flax in animal and human diets the seeds should be detoxified. However, the most efficient processes require the use of solvents, and even in the best case the seeds cannot be completely detoxified (Madhusudhan et al., 1986; Mazza and Oomah, 1996)."
Chia seed is a much safer, long-term product to improve and maintain healthy horses. Top ^
Chemical and Pesticide Free
All of our Chia seed is:
• Organically grown!
• Certified free from chemicals, pesticides, herbicides etc!
• 100% Kosher, Vegan, NON-GMO and Gluten-Free
• 3rd party tested prior to importing!
• Inspected by the FDA upon entry to the USA!
• The FDA regards Chia as a food with an established history of safe consumption
Top ^
Healing and Balance
Chia has the substance essential to cell life—a balanced property of giving out (nutrients) and readily taking up (debris).
Chia Seeds offer healing and balance to Equines in several ways. A basic understanding of the joint can ease arthritis pain. Proper feed means making sure to include generous levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. This is important to horses with arthritis because a deficiency of these essential fats, or an over-abundance of the omega-6 fatty acids, can worsen inflammatory reactions.
Moody mares and horses suffering from hormone imbalance can improve with Omega 3 oil, which eases inflammation of the estrus cycle. Horses with ulcers often improve with Chia because of the soothing effect of the gelatinous seed in the gut and the insulin balancing effect of the seed components.


lengthy excerpt "chia"

Read Below For A Lengthy, But Very Informative

Article Written About Chia Seed And It's Properties:


Chia Seed - The Ancient Food of the Future

By: William Anderson

In the last twenty five years, there has been a resurrection in the definition of medicine, a resurrection that amplifies the significance of our eating habits and our lifestyle. Medicine is not only defined as a treatment for illness and disease, it is now understood to be for the prevention of illness and disease. That would mean, for example, laughter is a medicine because research found it to boost the immune system. Exercise is good medicine for its cardiovascular stimulation, muscle toning and flexibility and expelling toxins and for giving you a feeling of well-being, all immune boosters. To express a positive attitude towards life is not only good medicine for you, it is good medicine for those in contact with you. But, the most important medicine, especially for the prevention of illness and disease, is our diet. It only needs our cooperation in supplying proper hydration and the needed nutrients to effectively maintain a state of well-being.

Research has revealed that more than two thirds of all deaths in the United States are diet related. More than 50% of all deaths are caused from coronary occlusion, blockage of the blood flow to the heart and/or the brain. These are all preventable deaths according to the Journal of American Medical Association which published in 1961 that, “All coronary occlusion can be eliminated by 97% through a vegetarian diet.” Fourteen hundred American’s are dying of cancer every day. In the prestigious Advances in Cancer Research, they concluded, “At present, we have overwhelming evidence… (that) none of the risk factors for cancer is… more significant than diet and nutrition.”

Because the question of what might be the optimum diet can, at times, be emotionally charged for many people, having had a significant emotional commitment in believing they know what’s best, I would like to suspend the issues of diet and introduce you to a “super” food that all would agree on. It is known as the Chia Seed. Once valued so much that it was used as currency, this unique little seed has exceptional nutritive and structural benefits.

Chia is familiar to most of us as a seed used for the novelty of the Chia Pet™, clay animals with sprouted Chia seeds covering their bodies. Little is known, however, of the seeds tremendous nutritional value and medicinal properties. For centuries, this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the southwest and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high-energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the southwest would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march. Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.

If you try mixing a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leaving it for approximately 30 minutes or so, when you return, the glass will appear to contain not seeds or water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Researchers believe this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.

In addition to the obvious benefits for diabetics, this slowing in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar offers the ability for creating endurance. Carbohydrates are the fuel for energy in our bodies. Prolonging their conversion into sugar stabilizes metabolic changes, diminishing the surges of highs and lows creating a longer duration in their fueling effects.

One of the exceptional qualities of the Chia seed is its hydrophilic properties, having the ability to absorb more than 12 times its weight in water. Its ability to hold on to water offers the ability to prolong hydration. Fluids and electrolytes provide the environment that supports the life of all the body’s cells. Their concentration and composition are regulated to remain as constant as possible. With Chia seeds, you retain moisture; regulate more efficiently the body’s absorption of nutrients and body fluids. Because there is a greater efficiency in the utilization of body fluids, the electrolyte balance is maintained.

Example: Fluid and electrolyte imbalances occur when large amounts of fluids are lost resulting from vomiting, diarrhea, high fever, or more commonly from sweating. The loss of extracellular fluid occurs in these conditions. Intercellular fluid then shifts out of cells to compensate, causing abnormal distribution of electrolytes across cell membranes resulting in cellular malfunction. So, retaining and efficiently utilizing body fluids maintains the integrity of extracellular fluids, protecting intercellular fluid balance. The results of which ensure normal electrolyte dispersion across cell membranes (electrolyte balance), maintaining fluid balances, resulting in normal cellular function.

Chia seeds are the definitive hydrophilic colloid for the 21-century diet. Hydrophilic colloids, (a watery, gelatinous, glue-like substance) form the underlying elements of all living cells. They possess the property of readily taking up and giving off the substances essential to cell life. The precipitation of the hydrophilic colloids causes cell death.

The foods we eat, in the raw state, consist largely of hydrophilic colloids. When cooked on the other hand, precipitates its colloidal integrity. This change in the colloidal state alters the hydration capacity of our foods to interfere with their ability to absorb digestive juices. If we were to eat a raw diet, we wouldn’t need to introduce the addition of any hydrophilic colloid to our diet. Uncooked foods contain sufficient hydrophilic colloid to keep gastric mucosa in the proper condition. But, even with raw foods, they must first be partially broken down by the digestive juices, beginning in the mouth and continuing through the upper tract, to allow the gelatinous reaction to take place. Because of this upper tract digestive process, those who suffer from slow digestion, gas formation, relaxed cardia and heartburn in which the burning is due to organic acids instead of an excess of the normal hydrochloric acid, which frequently accompanies chronic inflammation disease affecting such organs as the heart, lungs, gall bladder and appendix, are usually restricted from eating raw foods. A hydrophilic colloid incorporated with these foods may be used either in connection with the patient’s regular food or with whatever diet the physician feels is best suited for his patient. The patient with gastric atony or nervous indigestion who complains of heartburn and/or vomiting four to five hours after eating is often helped. There is a lessening of emptying time of the stomach and an improvement in gastric tone.

Chia seed may be used in conjunction with almost any diet your doctor or nutritionist feels is necessary for your condition. The Chia’s hydrophilic colloidal properties aid the digestion of any foods contributing to the patients suffering as a result of a sour stomach. Even if you have sensitivity to certain foods, they may be tolerated with slight discomfort or none at all if a hydrophilic colloid is made a part of your diet. The positive effects on the digestion in the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract often leads to puree their foods may find benefits from hydrophilic colloids which may lead to eliminating the necessity for pureeing. Even raw vegetables, green salads and fruits, which are largely restricted, may often be given to these patients with little or no discomfort after a short time.

There are several hydrophilic foods available that offer these natural benefits. Cactus juice, beet juice, agar, the edible seaweeds, and many proprietary preparations, which include the silica gels, mucilaginous substance of vegetables origin, are among colloids that prove effective. Each one of the above mentioned substances have one or more drawbacks. They are either too expensive, they may produce toxic side effects, are bad tasting, not readily available, have insufficient hydration capability or are indigestible.

Chia seed, a muscle and tissue builder and an energizer of endurance with extensive hydration properties, possesses none of the above disadvantages, and because if its physiochemical properties, supports effective treatment in immediate problems of digestion. Exactly why this should be true may be puzzling at first. However, if we consider the effect of unusual irritation upon the nerves of the gastrointestinal canal, it is reasonable they think that a less violent and more balanced digestion might quiet the activity of the otherwise hyperactive gut. Inasmuch as the same foods, which formerly produced irritation, may frequently be continued without harm when hydrophilic colloids are used. The relief to nerve irritation seems to offer a logical explanation.

The change, in the lower gastrointestinal tract, is due to the effect of the hydrophilic colloid and to a more complete digestion-taking place along the entire tract due to physiochemical alterations. Both factors are important, as there is undoubtedly a better assimilation of food that supports enhanced nutritional absorption while significantly extending necessary hydration as well as encouraging proper elimination.

As a source of protein, the Chia, after ingestion, is digested and absorbed very easily. This results in rapid transport to the tissue and utilization by the cells. This efficient assimilation makes the Chia very effective when rapid development of tissue takes place, primarily during growth periods of children and adolescents. Also, for the growth and regeneration of tissue during pregnancy and lactation, and this would also include regeneration of muscle tissue for conditioning, athletes, weight lifters, etc.

Another unique quality of the Chia seed is its high oil content and the richest vegetables source for the essential omega-3 fatty acid. It has approximately three to ten times the oil concentrations of most grains and one and a half to two times the protein concentrations of other grains. These oils, unsaturated fatty acids, are the essential oils your body needs to help emulsify and absorb the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, & K. Chia seeds are rich in the unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic, which the body can not manufacture. When there are rich amounts of linoleic acid sufficiently supplied to the body through diet, linoleic and arachidonic acids can be synthesized from linoleic acid. Unsaturated fatty acids are important for respiration of vital organs and make it easier for oxygen to be transported by the blood stream to all cells, tissues, and organs. They also help maintain resilience and lubrication of all cells and combine with protein and cholesterol to form living membranes that hold the body cells together.

Unsaturated fatty acids are essential for normal glandular activity, especially of the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland. They nourish the skin cells and are essential for healthy mucus membranes and nerves. The unsaturated fatty acids function in the body by cooperating with vitamin D in making calcium available to the tissues, assisting in the assimilation of phosphorus, and stimulating the conversion of carotene into vitamin A. Fatty acids are related to normal functioning of the reproductive system. Chia seeds contain beneficial long-chain triglycerides (LCT) in the right proportion to reduce cholesterol on arterial walls.

The Chia seed is also a rich source of calcium as it contains the important mineral boron, which acts as a catalyst for the absorption and utilization of the calcium by the body.

Chia, as an ingredient, is a dieter’s dream food. There are limitless ways to incorporate the Chia seed into your diet. Chia can be prepared with pure water before using in recipes. The seed will absorb 9 times its weight in water in less than 10 minutes and is very simple to prepare.

Food Extender/Calorie Displacer: The optimum ratio of water to seed, for most recipes, is 9-parts water to 1 part seed. One pound of seed will make 10 pounds of Chia gel. This is the most unique structural quality of the Chia seed. The seed’s hydrophilic (water absorbing) saturated cells hold the water, so when it is mixed with foods, it displaces calories and fat without diluting flavor. In fact, I have found that because Chia gel displaces rather than dilutes, it creates more surface area and can actually enhance the flavor rather than dilute it. Chia gel also works as a fat replacer for many recipes.


Making Chia Gel (9 to 1 ratio): Put water in a sealable plastic container and slowly pour seed into water while briskly mixing with a wire whisk. This process will avoid any clumping of the seed. Wait a couple of minutes, whisk again and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Whisk again before using or storing in refrigerator (Gel will keep up to 2 weeks). You can add this mix to jams, jellies, hot or cold cereals, yogurts, mustard, catsup, tartar sauce, BBQ sauce, etc... Add the gel, between 50% to 75% by volume, to any of the non-bake mentioned foods, mix well and taste. You will notice a very smooth texture with the integrity of the flavor intact. In addition to adding up to 50% to 75% more volume to the foods used, you have displaced calories and fat by incorporating an ingredient that is 90% water. Use as a fat replacer, for energy and endurance, or for added great taste, buy substituting the oil in your breads with Chia gel. Top your favorite bread dough before baking with Chia gel (for toping on baked goods, breads, cookies, piecrust, etc., reduce the water ratio to 8 parts water to 1 part Chia seed) for added shelf life.

There are additional benefits from the Chia seed aside from the nutritive enhancements when used as an ingredient. It was also used by the Indians and missionaries as a poultice for gunshot wounds and other serious injuries. They would pack the wounds with Chia seeds to avoid infections and promote healing. If you place a seed or two in your eyes, it will clean your eyes and will also help to clear up any infections. There is a wealth of benefits beyond the information outlined in this article and treasure-trove of benefits yet to be discovered. Chia seed, having a qualitatively unique situational richness along with a profound nutritive profile is one of man’s most useful and beneficial foods and is destined to be the Ancient Food of the Future.

Used With Permission From The Author