The Chia Pet was marketed and popularized by Joseph Pedott. Pedott first learned about "something called the Chia Pet" being imported from Oaxaca, Mexico when he attended a housewares show in Chicago in 1977. Negotiating the rights from importer Walter Houston, Pedott began marketing Chia Pets in the US.

When you think about it, a chia pet is a figurine made out of terra cotta clay (the same as most flower pots) and is covered with chia seeds that you sprout into hair or fur.

Joseph Pedott, entrepreneur who made Chia Pets and the Clapper household names, dead at 91. CHICAGO (CBS) -- You may not recognize the Chicago native's name, but chances are you know the work of Joseph Pedott.

THE FIRST CHIA PET WAS ACTUALLY A CHIA HUMAN. The product that put Chia Pets on the map, however, was a ram-shaped planter released in 1982. Later, the company introduced kittens, puppies, frogs, pigs, and other shapes.

It was sacred and used as a sacrifice in religious ceremonies. The ancient civilizations believed that the chia seed provided supernatural powers. In Mayan, “chia” means “strength.” This probably has to do with the large amounts of energy provided by chia seeds.

Salvia hispanica seed Salvia hispanica seed often is sold under its common name "chia" as well as several trademarked names. Its origin is believed to be in Central America where the seed was a staple in the ancient Aztec diet.

Chia seed benefits Chia provides a similar amount of omega-3 fatty acids as ground flaxseed in the form of alpha linolenic acid, or ALA. They can help with weight loss. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels and promote intestinal health.

However, the species grown on the chia Pet is Salvia hispanica . The Chia was a major food for the aztecs and Indians. They roasted the seeds, mixed them with water and eaten them as gruel or ground into baking. The Aztecs also used Chia for Oil face painting and as ointment and emoilent.

Central America Its origin is believed to be in Central America where the seed was a staple in the ancient Aztec diet. The seeds of a related plant, Salvia columbariae (golden chia), were used primarily by Native Americans in the southwestern United States. Chia seeds have gained attention as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acid.

3500B. The first presence of chia was recorded as early as 3500B. C. Later, the Aztecs used it.

Chia seeds have many nutritional benefits. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Chia provides a similar amount of omega-3 fatty acids as ground flaxseed in the form of alpha linolenic acid, or ALA. They can help with weight loss.

The plant is native to Mexico and Guatemala, where it was an important crop for pre-Columbian Aztecs and other Mesoamerican Indian cultures.

The word chia is derived from the Nahuatl word chian, meaning 'oily'. Other plants known as chia include Salvia columbariae, which is sometimes called "golden chia"., Salvia polystachya, and Salvia tiliifolia.

Here are 7 health benefits of chia seeds, all supported by science.

• Highly nutritious.
• Loaded with antioxidants.
• May support weight loss.
• May lower your risk of heart disease.
• Contain many important bone nutrients.
• May reduce blood sugar levels.
• Easy to incorporate into your diet.