The nutritional and chemical evaluation of Chia seeds

The chia plants are found in a group of annuals in the genera Salvia and Hyptis of the family Labiatae. Species of chia have been under cultivation for centuries in Mexico. Seeds from three Salvia and two Hyptis sources were collected and chemically analyzed for protein, oil, fiber, ash, moisture, and amino acids. The protein ranged in concentration from 19.0 to 26.5%, oil from 15.9 to 34.1%, fiber (ADF) from 22.1 to 33.4%, and total dietary fiber (TDF) from 47.1 to 59.8%. Threonine was the first limiting amino acid in chia seed, while lysine and leucine were the other limiting amino acids.

Key words:

• Chia
• Labiatae
• protein
• oil
• fiber
• amino acids