Health Warrior

Chia Bars

Long before the chia pet appeared as an American television regular, the chia seed was an integral part in the diet of Mayan and Aztec warriors of South America. Most evidence shows that humans began using them around 3500 BC, grinding them into flour, pressing them to make oil or just drinking them mixed with water. The chia seed, in fact, seems to have had an almost magical power as it was believed to increase  stamina and energy. But, leave it to the influx of modern explorers to introduce their own foods and prohibit the farming of indigenous foods such as chia. A few hundred years have passed since the Spanish Conquest and modern scientists and nutritionists are recognizing a lack of nutrients in the American diet - the chia seed is once again reborn, not as a terra cotta potted plant, but rather as a superfood that delivers the maximum amount of nutrients with minimum calories.

Health Warriors discovered the benefits of chia seeds after reading the best-selling book "Born to Run." The Tarahumara Indians are descendants of the Aztec and are known for their jaw-dropping distance runs, powered by chia. Because the idea of drinking water with seeds does not exactly entice the palate, and bags of dried seeds are not exactly easy to eat while running or riding, Health Warriors developed a chia bar -- compact and portable, and they contain all the energy you need to find your inner warrior.

Chia Bars contain Omega-3 equivalent to 10lbs of salmon, plant based protein with a full amino acid profile, fiber equivalent to 4lbs of oatmeal, calcium, magnesium, and iron. They are gluten-free, diary-free, soy-free and 100% vegan. Chia bars are flavored with such ingredients as organic juices, brown rice syrup, agave syrup and natural vanilla extracts. Each bar contains only 100 calories, but because of its fiber density as well as the water-absorbing properties of chia, you'll feel like you fueled with a 3-course meal.

Health Warriors' Chia Bars are available in 15-bar boxes. They come in flavors to suit any taste buds: Apple cinnamon, Banana nut, Coffee, Coconut. Chocolate peanut butter, and Acai berry.