Product Description
One of the four main Aztec crops at the time of Columbus’s arrival in the New World, chia is now a forgotten food of the Americas. Chia seed oil offers the highest omega-3 fatty acid content available from plants, but today this species is known only for its use in "chia pets." Yet pre-Columbian civilizations used chia as a raw material for medicines and nutritional compounds, while chia flour could be stored for years as a food reserve and was valued as a source of energy on long journeys.
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 some of the 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 an excellent 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 need to balance the essential fatty acid content of the human diet, combined with the need for a safe, renewable, omega-3 fatty acid source, positions chia to become one of the world’s important crops. As this insightful study shows, current nutritional understanding provides an excellent opportunity to reintroduce this important food to the world.
User Reviews
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Summary: Indept and technical
Review: This book is good for getting down to the nitty gritty technical side of why chia seed is a great source of nutrition and energy. I was looking for something a little more historic and practical. If you want to know why chia does what it does, this is a great resource. I may reread it again when I need more info on the effects of the wonderful chia seed.
Date: 2009-06-01
Rating: 4
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Summary: Chi seeds
Review: Dr Coates has been inttrumental in bring more information about the chia seed. It has long been underground, maybe soon it will become a source of food for hungry people and a source of vital nutrition and health for everyone. Our bodies ned it. At this time some chia is out on the market but a lot of it is not good quality. Doctor Coates does support one type of chia seed made by Lifemax. Check out www.allswell.lifemax.net for more info about the highest quality chia seeds supported by Dr Coates.
Date: 2009-01-28
Rating: 4
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Summary: Very informative
Review: This was an objective overview of the history of Chia. Not a recipe or how-to book. A bit on the academic side but I enjoyed it. Also enjoy using chia as a supplement.
Date: 2008-05-17
Rating: 5
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Summary: Great book on chia seeds!
Review: I was so delighted with the Chia book. Not only does the author provide an excellent historical review of chia seed, and its uses - there is also a wealth of information about its nutritional benefits. Long time overdue. I eat chia seeds every day, and cannot believe the dramatic difference they have made in my overall health. Don't miss this one!
Date: 2008-01-02
Rating: 5
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Summary: Informative, well researched
Review: Have read all the chia information on the web. This book gives you the history, the facts and why chia is so important in the diet - both ours and animals. The authors compare chia to other sources of omega-3 and then discuss why chia is a better source. If you are interested in your health this is a must read.
Date: 2007-04-05
Rating: 5
