Cha cha cha chia pets, eat 'em up...

Remember those chia pets? I bet everyone in America has either seen them or received one as a gift (whether in jest or seriousness). I saw them at the store this Christmas still being sold as gifts. They've evolved though and now they're in the shape of Einstein's head and other interesting icons.

All those years we thought they were just some fun gift for the friend who had everything, or the friend we wanted to embarrass... now it turns out they're edible. And supposedly good for you.

Better run right down to Wal-Mart and buy those Einstein heads right up!

Chia Seeds Now Available At the Vitamin Shoppe

(PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Americans are learning that there's much more to chia seeds than sprouting terracotta pets. Chia seeds have been garnering quite a bit of media attention lately, and health-conscious consumers are wondering what all the hype is about.

In addition to being one the richest sources of heart-smart Omega-3, an essential fatty acid, chia is also a great source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals.

"Our customers have been asking about the health benefits of chia seeds, so we're carrying a number of chia products to meet the demand," said Rob Maru, Vitamin Shoppe Category Manager of Vitamins and Supplements.

Once a staple of the Incan, Mayan, and Aztec cultures, chia seeds are versatile and easy to incorporate into the diet, by sprinkling the seeds on foods or by mixing into beverages. Chia can also be substituted into any flax recipe without grinding.

Chia seeds are available at the more than 340 Vitamin Shoppe locations in the United States and online at www.vitaminshoppe.com.

Chia seeds have recently been featured on The CBS Saturday Early Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and The Joan Hamburg Show.