Chia Seed vs. Salba

Filed under Chia Seeds | Comments (28)

In my research into chia (Salvia hispanica) I've come across an issue that has sparked much discussion on the Internet. There seems to be some confusion and disagreement over whether chia is the same thing as Salba, a brand of white chia seed produced by a Toronto-based company of the same name.

I found a website where people are discussing the issue. It's an informative read. On the site, a representative from Salba says that their brand of chia includes two registered varieties of chia that have patents pending: Sahi Alba 911 and Sahi Alba 912. She also claims that these two varieties are the only ones on which clinical studies into the health benefits of chia have been done.

Now, this seems a bit dishonest. Dr. Wayne Coates of the University of Arizona is considered the world expert on chia seeds. He has done extensive research into chia and co-authored a book called Chia: Rediscovering a Forgotten Crop of the Aztecs.

In one interview, Dr. Coates was asked to give his thoughts on Salba and he said: "It's a joke. Salba is just the white chia. You can go to our website where we compare white versus black chia."

The chia I bought at Whole Foods is made by Greens Plus. There are many other brands of chia out there as well. I don't think I'll be purchasing Salba anytime soon, but I am open to learning more about it.

1. Jasmine Beaupre said on August 12, 2008:

My husband turned me on to Salba, and I will NEVER doubt him again. Salba is delicious.

2. Ruth S said on August 29, 2008:

Hello David,

I have just purchased Salba from North Star. It is the white seeded chia, I gather from reading this blog. I do not have diabetis, but have nasty IBS and there is a claim that these seeds will help with that too. Here's hoping!

Thanks for the info. I will keep reading up on this.

Best,
Ruth

3. Evita said on September 27, 2008:

Thanks for the opinions and story. I went over to Leisure Guy's blog based on your post and a few hours later I am back here. I actually read all the comments (crazy I know) but I wanted to know people's experience with Salba as I am just wrapping up a September is Salba month on Evolving Wellness.

Having done the research on both, I just feel Salba is so much more scientifically justified - but that is my own opinion.

Ultimately people have to do their own research and decide for themselves.

4. Angela said on December 11, 2008:

Hi All,

I'm concerned about the some of the content on this website. There is a massive amount of politics in the chia industry. Regarding Dr. Wayne Coates' comments above about Salba being "a joke"...a few points for discussion:

1.) Wayne Coates was an original member of the Salba team. There are many rumors about why he left Salba, but they all point to Dr. Coates wanting more money. Perhaps he was justified, but this speaks to the credibility of everything Dr. Coates says against Salba.

2.) Wayne Coates has owned or partnered in several failed chia companies: Arizona Chia, Anutra, Chia Farms, Lifemax ("the signature grain") - the latest generation is called Mila. With Mila, the only difference is a substantially higher price tag (around $40) and savvy marketing ideas like calling it "the miracle seed". Note that on the Mila website, they make no mention of "chia". http://lifemax.net/products/mila/

3.) Dr. Coates speaks extensively against Salba, often saying: "Salba is just the white chia." However, the facts contradict this. Salba is grown using a refined growing process where quality comes before quantity. As a result, Salba seeds have 30-35% more fiber and omega-3s than chia (BASED ON USDA DATA). http://www.salba.com/salba_chia.php

I don't have anything against Dr. Coates, but I think there might be a hidden agenda here.

5. David Roberts said on January 2, 2009:

I live in Costa Rica and am dabbling with growing Salba. I planted some Salba from North Star Nutritionals last year. The flowers were all white. It grew great but I botched the harvesting and most of my seed went to the ground. (I did contact Dr. Coates to enquire about harvesting tecniques but he had no interest to help for free.) I planted more this year from my own seed with much more success. At the same time I planted some “Salba” distributed by Core Naturals and Salbausa. Planted in exact circumstance the plants are considerably less hardy and the flowers are totally purple. By the way I have discovered how to successfully harvest the Salba if anyone wants the information.

6. David Roberts said on January 2, 2009:

7. hazeleyes said on January 7, 2009:

To Ruth "I do not have diabetis, but have nasty IBS and there is a claim that these seeds will help with that too. Here's hoping!"

From earliest childhood I have had IBS, colitis, debilitating constipation that caused diverticulosis. About 4 years ago I began to research causes of the constipation that caused all the other problems - it's magensium deficiency.

Now I take chelated magnesium, 3-4 100 mg capsules a day fix the problem, and no more muscle cramps either.

For chelated MG: http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWU074/ItemDetail

It cannot hurt you.

See also:

http://www.enzymestuff.com/magnesium.htm (good website)
Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency is associated with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraines, and a bunch of other ailments. Supplementing with magnesium has helped many of these conditions in clinical studies.

The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are irritability, tantrums, seizures, insomnia, muscle cramps/twitching, hyperactivity and poor digestion among others. Magnesium is needed for proper electrolyte function, over 300 enzyme functions, and calcium absorbtion.

I also found it very interested to read that one of the primary sources of dietary magnesium is whole grains and cereals. If one goes 100% gluten free, you may be losing a main source of magnesium, and could go deficient especially if you are also supplementing with extra calcium to make up for the casein free part.

Higher amount of magnesium may cause a laxative effect (milk of magnesium, epsom salts).

Clinical indications of magnesium deficiency were associated with the following:

ADD/ADHD
Alzheimer's disease
Anxiety
Asthma
Attention deficit disorder
Autism
Auto immune disorders- all types
Cerebral Palsy- in children from magnesium deficient mothers
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic pain
Congestive heart failure
Constipation
Crohn's disease
Depression
Diabetes mellitus
Endometriosis
Fibromyalgia
Gut disorders- including peptic ulcer, Crohn's disease, colitis
Food allergy
Headaches
Hyperactivity
Hypertension
Hypoglycemia
Insomnia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Menopause
Migraines
Multiple sclerosis
Muscle cramps
Muscle weakness, fatigue
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's disease
PMS
Psoriasis
Schizophrenia
Stress
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Tension
Ulcerative colitis

Pass it on.

8. Ralph G said on May 20, 2009:

David Roberts. Tell me all you know about planting and harvesting white salba. Thanks R

9. marvell said on May 28, 2009: