Chia seeds are small, flat, and oval-shaped with a shiny and smooth texture. Their color ranges from white to brown or black (2).
Chia seeds contain large amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of high quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants.
The nutrients in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of chia seeds are (5Trusted Source):
Calories: 486
Water: 6%
Protein: 16.5 grams
Carbs: 42.1 grams
Sugar: 0 grams
Fiber: 34.4 grams
Fat: 30.7 grams
Saturated: 3.33 grams
Monounsaturated: 2.31 grams
Polyunsaturated: 23.67 grams
Omega-3: 17.83 grams
Omega-6: 5.84 grams
Trans: 0.14 grams
Notably, chia seeds are also free of gluten.