Monday, October 4, 2010

Chia - History, Research, Composition, Uses - the story

The University of Arizona recently published a presentation I made as part of the invited Faculty Fellows Speaker Series in the Fall of 2005.

The presentation covers the history, composition, benefits of chia and cites some of my chia research work, etc. In essence it is a summary of the book entitled CHIA: Rediscovering a Forgotten Crop of the Aztecs published by the University of Arizona Press of which I am a co-author.

The presentation consists of a video and the slides I used at that time to tell the chia story.

In the past five years many more papers have been published on chia which document its benefits, properties, uses, etc. As a result of increased press, blogs, etc. people are becoming more and more aware of this amazing food, and how it can help improve the health of the world. For updated chia information go to www.azchia.com and click on the My Chia Research link in the left hand column.

I hope you enjoy this presentation and will learn a bit more about this great, healthy food. To view the presentation click here.

8 comments:

  1. Dr Coates,

    You mentioned in your presentation that you take chia with you on your runs. How much do you take and how do you consume it-eat it plain - with sports drink? For example on a 100 mile run.

    Is chia 100% cholesterol free?

    ReplyDelete
  2. I carry chia in film canisters. Put about half of one in my mouth and wash down with water. The amount varies, depending upon how I am feeling.

    Yes, chia is 100% cholesterol free.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your Chia store sells white chia seeds for 50 cents more than the regular black chia but your website says that there's practically no difference nutrition wise between the black and white seeds. So what's the logic behind selling white chia seeds and why are they more expensive??

    ReplyDelete
  4. White seeds are in shorter supply. I do not recommend them, but sell them since some people want them.

    One customer had the best reason I ever heard of to buy them. When they get stuck in your teeth, you do not see them.

    Wayne

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dr. Coates, I am turning vegan and looking for complete non-animal protein sources. So far I've found soy, amaranth, quinoa and buckwheat.

    Is chia considered a complete protein? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great question.

    Yes chia is a complete protein with the quality in excess of 100.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi thanks for your blog . My issue is cost 250 grams costs 10 AU $ it's farmed in tropical Australia the Kimberly region of Western AU .
    I am going to be growing Amaranth next season ,Amaranth will grow anywhere in AU it was imported to AU early 1800 by Chinese Cooks.
    My question is why don't I use Amaranth instead of Chia ? Thanks Ian Kentish

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ian

    Amaranth really only provides protein, with chia you get omega3, fiber, antioxidants as well as protein.

    Wayne

    ReplyDelete