If you’re just now associating chia seeds as food rather than a cheesy “plant pet,” then you’re not alone. A growing number of people are discovering the chia seed as a great addition to a healthy diet. Studies show that chia seeds are a great source of fiber, minerals and antioxidants.

Perhaps you’re stumped about what chia seeds are despite hearing all the buzz. It could be that you have an idea but aren’t exactly sure what to do with that bag of chia seeds you bought from Whole Foods.

What Are Chia Seeds?

Chia, or Salvia hispanica L., is an herb grown throughout the Americas. Mint is a close relative of the chia plant.

Chia seeds may be new to you, but it turns out that they’ve been a popular food staple in Central and South America for centuries. Chia seeds were first made popular among the Mayans, Incas and Aztecs. These cultures believed that the seeds had strong medicinal properties and were a source of energy and vitality.

In fact, this played a role in the naming of the chia seeds. The word “chia” means strength.

Chia seeds are very tiny and tend to be white or black in color. Although brown chia seeds exist, those seeds tend to be immature with a bitter taste.