Potential Economic Uses

Chia has some potentially important food uses. It may become an important oilseed crop because its seeds are very high in unsaturated omega-3-fatty acids, which are desirable for a healthy diet. Chia seed oil contain large amounts of natural antioxidants, which are important as food additives to prevent spoilage. These natural antioxidants from plants also seem beneficial to human health.The meal left after extracting chia seed oil has a high protein content so could be used as a livestock feed. The nonprofit Native Seeds/SEARCH sells chia seed as a healthy food for diabetics. SEARCH is an acronym for Southwestern Endangered Aridland Resource Clearing House. The chia seed mucilage also may be useful as a food additive. Its high oil and protein content and drought resistance make chia an attractive crop for developing countries. In Argentina, chia is a more profitable crop than the traditional crop of beans.

There are also several industrial uses for chia. In addition to being edible, chia seed oil also makes a good drying oil for paints, so could be used as a substitute for linseed oil. Leaf oils of chia may be useful in flavorings or fragrances, and possibly as pesticides, because white flies and other insects seem to avoid the plants. The mucopolysaccharide in the seed coat might have use as an industrial gum.

If you are interested in eating chia, you could sample a few seeds from a ChiaPet. Joseph Enterprises does not chemically treat the seed so it should be safe. You might be able to find Chia seeds in a health food store. For a refreshing breakfast drink, mix a teaspoon of chia seeds in a cup of orange juice and let the seeds soak for 10 minutes. This drink supposedly keeps you from feeling hungry until noon. Chia seeds can also be added to desert jello. Chia seeds do not seem to be a health hazard if eaten in moderation. However, their high fiber content may make them unsuitable as a dietary staple for children.