They might be small in stature, but chia continues to dazzle as a seemingly limitless source of dynamic functionality.

Though they are primarily touted as a plant-based source of heart-healthy Omega-3, they are also considered one of nature’s prebiotics.

Chia seeds are bursting with both insoluble and soluble fibers. Mucilage, a viscous soluble fiber found in chia seeds, is the reason why it’s so simple to turn chia seeds into chia pudding – they allow chia seeds to hold up to 12 times their weight in liquid when soaked. In the body, mucilage ferments into short chain fatty acids that work to feed your gut’s microbiome.

A healthy you begins in the gut and your microbiome of 100 trillion microorganisms affect every part of your well-being. The gut is your body’s #1 mood regulator, immune system command center, anti-inflammation station and is key to nutrient absorption.

If you treat your gut right by consuming prebiotics like chia, it will treat you right. Benefits include improved digestions, stronger immunity, more energy, less bloating, less stress, healthier skin, hair and nails, and increased happiness.

So what is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics, and why do you need both?

Prebiotics are a type of dietary fiber that feed our native gut bacteria that help promote a happy digestive system. Unlike probiotics, prebiotics are not live bacteria and do not naturally grow in the gut.

Probiotics are bacteria that pass through the gut – but before they leave, they help your body fight off the bad bacteria and regulate most of your body’s serotonin.

A diet rich in prebiotics, like those sourced from chia, helps to ensure that the probiotics in the gut remain active and healthy, which in turn keeps your gut happy and healthy

So the next time you make chia pudding or enjoy an on-the-go Chia Squeeze, remember it’s not only fun for your mouth, it’s also great for your gut!