Chia Nutrition

Chia is the richest plant based source of Omega 3, dietary fibre, protein and antioxidants.

Chia is available in two colour varieties. The 'black' variety of Chia naturally contains a combination of black, and white seeds. The 'white' Chia variety was formed by specially selecting white seeds from the black variety. The Chia Company grows dedicated paddocks of black and white seed. Aside from the obvious colour difference, the seed itself is virtually the same in all of its properties - size, taste and smell, with the exception of a few minor seasonal nutritional differences.

We refer to Chia as Nature’s Complete Superfood because it is very high in nutrition that is essential for a healthy diet including Omega 3, dietary fibre and protein as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

It contains:

• 37% Dietary Fibre
• 20% Omega 3 ALA
• 20% Protein
• High in antioxidants (ORAC value of 10,000 vitamin E equivalents)
• High in Vitamins and Minerals (Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium)

Chia is a gluten free Wholegrain

Chia is a wholegrain food because it contains all components of the grain; the Bran, Germ and Endosperm. There is a constantly growing body of evidence that the consumption of wholegrain foods leads to better health. Research also shows that eating wholegrain foods can help lower the risk of being overweight and lower the risk of diet related disease such as diabetes and heart disease.

Many of the important nutrients are located in the outer layer ‘the Bran’ which is why wholegrain foods are so important. Some research suggests that people who have a diet rich in wholegrain high fibre foods have a reduced risk of bowel cancer.

The amazing thing about Chia as wholegrain food is that it contains such a high amount of fibre, protein and Omega 3 as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The protein is a complete protein with all 8 essential amino acids which is very rare for a vegetarian source of protein.

Chia is the only wholegrain that you can eat raw exactly as it comes from the plant without removing the husk, milling, processing or cooking.

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Chia and the modern diet

The modern diet is often lacking in nutrition that is essential for good health such as dietary fibre, protein, Omega 3 and vitamins and minerals. Chia contains all of these essential nutrients and is easy to digest in its natural form.

Learn more about:

• Chia Fibre
• Chia Protein and Amino Acids
• Chia Omega 3
• Chia Antioxidants
• Chia Vitamins & Minerals

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Who would benefit from Chia Seed and Chia Seed products?

Diabetics

Including chia in the diet has a positive impact on the blood glucose control of Type 2 Diabetes patients. A recent case study by accredited and practicing dietician Emma Morris of Stay Tuned Sports Medicine showed that “The inclusion of 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in the daily diet of diet-controlled Type 2 Diabetics, assisted in the reduction of their morning blood glucose levels and blood glucose levels 2 hours post-dinner”.

Consumers that want to increase their ENERGY LEVELS

Chia provides a sustained release of energy into the body. Many of our consumers are athletes who eat Chia to improve endurance and aid joint mobility and muscle repair.

Consumers that need to increase FIBRE in their diet

Chia contains 36% fibre of which 80% is insoluble and 20% soluble. Consuming fibre helps to lower cholesterol in the body, aids intestinal health, including regular gut function and can reduce the risk and occurrence of colon cancer. A high fibre diet has shown to improve blood sugar control and may help to assist some people with their diabetes management.

Consumers that want to MANAGE their WEIGHT

Chia Seed has the effect of thickening or bulking up food and therefore can give you a full sensation when you add it to food. This can result in you taking in fewer calories over the day and assist with weight loss. Chia also provides a slow release of energy which can sustain you for longer.

Consumers concerned about maintaining their HEART HEALTH

Chia Seed contains 20% Omega 3. Chia Oil, is a more concentrated source providing 60% Omega 3. The Omega 3 ALA found in Chia is especially important for a healthy heart and research has shown it can be beneficial for lowering cholesterol, maintaining artery function and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The heart foundation recommends a daily intake of 2g of Omega 3 ALA as opposed to Omega 3 DHA (found in fish oil) which should be consumed twice a week.

Consumers that want HEALTHY SKIN, HAIR and NAILS

Chia contains a high source of Omega 6 LA, antioxidants and protein which are all important for healthy skin. Studies have shown a diet containing antioxidants can slow the process of aging in the body. Hair and nails are also mostly made of protein. The human body uses protein to build and repair tissues and needs relatively large amounts of protein and must draw on it from the diet as protein isn't stored in the body. Chia is a great natural source of protein since it contains 20% protein in each serve.

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Ask Emma the Dietitian

If you have a question related to Chia and your diet ask our registered dietitian Emma.

Emma Morris is an accredited Practicing Dietitian and Sports Dietitian. Emma works in a private practice for Stay Tuned Sports medicine, where she consults with clients one-on-one and through group programs. Stay Tuned Sports Medicine is a total wellness centre based in Melbourne, dedicated to helping people of all ages, abilities, sex, race and background to achieve their best health, fitness and quality of life possible.

In addition to her role at Stay Tuned, Emma regularly delivers workshops for a variety of workplaces on nutrition and healthy eating and assists elite athletes including VFL footballers, V8 Supercar drivers, triathletes and cyclists with adopting healthy diets to improve their performance.

Contact Emma