CHIA SEED ( chi-ya seed) / n./ 1./ A type of plant native to Mexico and Guatemala, chia was once thought to be as important a crop as corn. / 2./ These seeds are nutrient-rich—full fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium—and are often blended into smoothies, cereals, and yogurt. / 3./ Chia seeds can hold 10 times their weight in water, so they were used by Mayan and Aztec warriors to stay hydrated in harsh desert conditions. / 4./ In the ’80s, various kinds of ceramic animals were filled with the seeds and sold as novelty houseplants. (When watered, the plants would create the illusion of fur.) / 5./ When applied to skin, chia can hydrate, fight free-radical damage, and improve skin’s barrier function—e.g., “Chia seed leads to a fluffy houseplant and a flawless complexion.”
Try it: Sunday Riley Isis Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil, $125, sephora.com; Lather Chia Seed & Passion Fruit Facial Oil, $32, lather.com
