Salvia hispanica L is a mint plant in the Lamiceae family, and is indigenous to Mexico and parts of South America. The seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant have become a popular health food due to their powerful nutrient composition.

Nutrition
The seeds of some premium varieties of Salvia hispanica grown for human consumption are especially rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and are a great source of antioxidants and amino acids - particularly lysine.

Scientific Findings
While there are over 60 varieties of wild and domesticcated Salvia hispanica (the majority of which are known as "chia"), one premium variety of Salvia hispanica has undergone human clinical research - known as the salba variety.

Research on salba was conducted at the Risk Factor Modification Center in Toronto by one of the world's leading diabetes research teams. The research, published by the American Diabetes Association in their peer-reviewed clinical journal (Diabetes Care), demonstrated that salba improves cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes.

Other varieties of chia have undergone clinical research as animal feed 1,2,3,4 but due to inconsistencies in nutritional content, they have not been supported by the medical community for human clinical research.

Climate a Key Factor in Safety
Common "chia" is grown by thousands of farmers in varying soil quality and under limited control.  While climate may not seem like a crucial factor in the nutritional quality of the crop, it is actually a key in safety for human consumption.

When the moisture levels in the seed are too high at harvest - whether from humidity or rainfall - this creates a microbiological environment that can be hazardous. In short, when moisture levels are elevated, mold, yeast and salmonella can form inside the seed.

A complete analysis of all varieties of Salvia hispanica, including chia and salba, reveals common chia samples that tested positive for yeast, mold and salmonella. Based on 3rd party analysis, all salba samples were found to be consistently safe.

The History of Salvia hispanica
The seeds of the plant were once used by Aztec warriors to sustain themselves during long journeys. Aztec doctors would "prescribe" the seeds to relieve joint pain and skin conditions - they didn't know why it was so effective at the time, but modern science tells us the healing activity was due to:

1.) A High Ratio of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Lubricates the tissues of the body.
2.) An Ideal Blend of Amino Acids: Proteins to support soft tissue repair.
3.) Antioxidants, Like Quercetin: Fights free radicals to prevent destruction of tissues.

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