Chia History
Chia seeds were first used as food as early as 3500 BC and were one of the main dietary components of the Aztecs and the Mayans. Chia seeds were eaten as a grain, drunk as a beverage when mixed with water, ground into flour, included in medicines, pressed for oil and used as a base for face and body paints.
The Spanish conquests of America destroyed much of the intensive agricultural production systems that were in place however small pockets of producing regions remained in Central and South America.
In the 1990s a research initiative was launched between a North American non profit organisation and a group of South American farmers with the goal of increasing and diversifying commercial production in the region. Chia was selected as part of the cropping program and growing trials proved successful. In the years that followed small scale, commercial production of Chia began.
The Chia Company first learned of Chia in 2000 following an American television documentary on grains that formed part of diets of ancient civilisations. The following year whilst in America on an international research expedition, John Foss, company director took the opportunity to further investigate Chia. John was intrigued by the anecdotal evidence that a diet containing Chia had a positive impact on diabetes, cholesterol and obesity and the fact that Chia contained Omega 3 and a host of other nutritional benefits.
Growing trials proved exceptionally successful and The Chia Company began large scale production in Australia.
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Recently I competed in the Maximum Adventure Max 24hr Race in NSW, covering 130-140km. I needed to intake 55,000kJ across the event and be mindful of my electrolyte intake. I included 15g per litre of Chia in my drink bottles and my back pack bladder. The Chia adds that extra edge with a sustained energy release from one meal, or drink, to the next. I find Chia very easy to consume, and it does not cause any tummy upsets while racing. Its mild flavour means it is easy to mix with other products and I do |
not need to add extra flavour to hide anything in the Chia. I completed the event in 24 hrs 30 minutes, racing non-stop for the whole time. I am sure that my general well-being and performance in the race have been greatly enhanced by using Chia. - Paul Grundy, Penrith, New South Wales.
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