Description
In this book, agronomist Ricardo Ayerza and agricultural engineer Wayne Coates trace the long and fascinating history of chia’s use, then reveal the scientific story of the plant and its modern potential. They compare fatty acid profiles of chia with our other major sources—fish oil, flaxseed, and marine algae—and provide evidence that chia is superior in many ways.
Here are just one of the vital benefits that chia provides:
– chia has the highest known percentage of alpha-linolenic acid, and the highest combined alpha-linolenic and linoleic fatty acid percentage of all crops
– chia has more protein, lipids, energy, and fiber—but fewer carbs—than rice, barley, oats, wheat, or corn—and its protein is gluten-free
– chia is a superb source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper
– chia is low in sodium: salmon has 78 times as much, tuna 237 times as much
– chia exhibits no evidence of allergic response, even in individuals with peanut and tree-nut allergies
– chia doesn’t give off a “fishy flavor,” unlike some other sources of omega-3 fatty acid
The want to balance the essential fatty acid content of the human diet, combined with the need for a secure, renewable, omega-3 fatty acid source, positions chia to turn out to be one of the most world’s important crops. As this insightful study shows, current nutritional understanding provides a very good opportunity to reintroduce this important food to the world.