Chia vs. Salba

Chia and salba are edible, highly nutritious seeds. Salba is a type of chia different than the--mostly Mexican or Southern U.S.--chia purchased in the U.S. Salba for the U.S. is mostly grown in Peru.

Chia Seeds

• Chia has historically been known as a performance food. Native peoples in Mexico and the Southwest ate it for endurance. With the renewed interest in natural medicine and diet, chia has made a huge comeback, now being marketed by health food outlets as a superfood.

Antioxidants, Fats, Colloids

• Chia and Salba are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. But one of the main marketed properties is "hydrophilic colloidal" action in the upper gastrointestinal tract, which sellers claim can improve general digestion.

Competing Claims

• Competing claims about the relative values of chia and salba are about levels of various substances in the two seeds, i.e., antioxidants and omega-3s. The claims ignore the fact that each contains more than enough for any one person if a modest amount is eaten. Moreover, there are many widely available foods that contain the same nutrients. The advantages of both are that they are very high in fiber, and the colloidal action in the stomach creates the sensation of fullness--an advantage for weight-conscious consumers.