With origins in Mexico and northern Guatemala, the chia plant is also grown in Australia, Bolivia, Columbia, Peru, and Argentina, among other countries. It was traditionally used for medicinal purposes and food in Aztec and Mayan societies, but today, the plant is primarily grown for its edible seeds.
Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Chia seeds may also cause flare-ups with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease. Choking hazard. Dry chia seeds absorb water, which causes them to swell up and become gelatinous.