A NEED TO KNOW

 more about a research project.

A news release from the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology in the College of Agricultural
Sciences at Oregon State University triggered the need-to-know button in my brain.

The news release involved studies being conducted at OSU involving the nutritional value of chia seeds, in addition to their ability to improve human health.  The researchers identified chia genes associated with improving nutrition and pharmaceuticals that could be used to treat many conditions from cancer to high blood pressure.

Researchers are hopeful of possible growth in Oregon where they say the growing conditions are similar to their growing conditions in Mexico and Guatemala.  Studies are undoubtedly being considered for the west side of the Cascades.  However, with climate change being a consideration in many areas, who knows what could happen in Central Oregon.

"Now we are at the point where long-term food and nutrition security requires diversifying the human diet by breeding and making genetic improvements to nutrient-rich, so-called, minor crops like chia," said Sushma Naithani, an associate professor, senior research in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology.

The global demand for nutrient-rich so-called orphan crops such as chia, millets and yam has increased in recent years.  In addition to their nutritional value, they are important because they can often grow on marginal land unsuitable for many traditional grain crops, which is an important asset considering climate change.

Remember back in the 1980's and the popularity of 'chia pets'?  Who would have thought the seeds would have greater success years later when they became known as a 'superfood' or functional food.  The terminology created more by the marketing sphere than by nutrition experts who understand that there is no magic bullet or replacement for a healthful diet that relies on a variety of nutritious foods.

Photo credit: Pankaj Jaiswal

Chia seeds come from the plant Salvia hispanica L, (Lamiaceae-mint family).  The seeds were cultivated as a major food crop in Mexico and Guatemala as early as 3500 BC, it was offered to Aztec gods in religious ceremonies.

Chia seeds are small, round and can be black, brown and white, there is no difference in their nutritional value.  They have little if any distinctive flavor so they don't compete with other flavors in a dish.  Seeds are often added as a functional ingredient to less nutritious items like baked pastries and snacks to improve their appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Sprinkle a few teaspoons into breakfast cereal (hot or cold), salads, soups, or stews.

Stir into salad dressings, sauces, marinades, or cake/muffin/bread batter.

Use chia gel as a thickener added to smoothies, puddings, and soups (stir the gel into these foods after they are prepped or cooked).  Check the internet for recipe ideas.

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, two tablespoons of chia seeds contain about 140 calories, 4 grams of protein, 11 grams of fiber 7 grams of unsaturated fat, 18% RDA for calcium, and trace minerals including zinc and copper.  

OSU past research has found:

Polyunsaturated fatty acids found in chia improve cardiovascular health and cholesterol and have anti-cancer properties.

Chia seeds' high fiber content helps stabilize blood glucose levels in type-2 diabetes patients and aid people with gastrointestinal-tract related diseases.

Photo: Pacific College of Health & Science

The protein content of chia seeds range between 16%-23%.  The protein content of other grains is less than 16%.  You can understand why chia development is becoming more important.

There are a few rare cautions when eating seeds.  Do not eat dry chia seeds.  Dry seeds eaten and followed by a glass of water will result in the seeds expanding in the esophagus and cause a blockage.
Also, if you have any digestive issues, check with your physician.

More  information: https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/new-study-eyes-nutrition-rich-chia-seed-potential-improve-human-health