| During my journey of researching Chia Seed, I | | | | I also asked William Anderson, who has been |
| have been primarily talking about the black seed | | | | committed to the research of chia for over |
| which is highly available and recognized. As I learn | | | | twenty years, about the white seed and here is |
| more about the plant and write my book which | | | | what he shared about the topic: |
| will be out in June, I have come across more | | | | "There have been a lot of discussions regarding |
| very unique information of which I was not | | | | the various seeds being sold (black, the all-white, |
| aware. I am not biased in my research; I make | | | | and the variegated mixed variety). However, they |
| every effort to provide the most accurate | | | | are all Salvia Hispanica L. varieties and, depending |
| information reflecting the nutrition of the source. | | | | on the area grown, there is very little difference. |
| Having my own company, developing products for | | | | They are all the same botanical variety. There is |
| five years, has taught me that the health industry | | | | another botanical variety, the Salvia Columbariae, |
| can be like a side view mirror; things may not | | | | which has different characteristics. Nutritionally, |
| appear as large as they seem or as accurate. | | | | they are very similar, used by the North |
| On that note, I would like to share what I have | | | | American aboriginal tribes. |
| learned about the other seed called white chia. | | | | Both varieties are from the mint family. However, |
| The biggest questions for me are: is the white | | | | the Salvia Hispanica L. variety is a tall mint-like |
| seed more nutritious then the black seed, and are | | | | plant with long extended purple flowers (black |
| they the only two available from the chia plant? | | | | variety) and white flowers (white seed variety) |
| Well, there is actually a third seed that is | | | | and they have been domesticated for variety) |
| considered brown, but the black and white are the | | | | and white flowers (white seed variety) and they |
| most recognized and utilized in the market. | | | | have been domesticated for farming. The |
| I have resourced many companies and brands of | | | | Columbariae variety is a small, three-tiered thistle |
| white chia seed I am sure there are many good | | | | which has purple-colored flowers, predominantly in |
| companies with good intentions. Some say that | | | | the Southwestern regions of North America, and |
| white is more nutritious than black. I have found | | | | it was strictly a wild crafted seed. |
| no significant evidence to support that thus far. | | | | "There are a variety of brand names as well; |
| On the other hand, I have read that black has | | | | however, a rose by any other name...! These are |
| more antioxidants. Based upon what I have seen | | | | all Salvia Hispanica L. varieties and, no matter the |
| so far, I believe it is a photo finish as they are | | | | brand name, they all produce the same beneficial |
| certainly both very close in nutritional value and | | | | results. As a matter of choice, it rests on the |
| are very nutritionally dense. | | | | quality and purity of the seeds and, of course, the |
| If there is more information and good solid clinical | | | | price. Check with your supplier and ask for |
| data out there, I welcome the experts to contact | | | | documents regarding purity and other quality |
| me, and I would welcome the opportunity to | | | | control protocols to ensure you are getting the |
| revise this article. I am always open to learn | | | | food grade seeds and not the live-stock feed |
| more, but the facts only. | | | | product." |
| I had a chance to talk with Marion Gray at Natural | | | | In conclusion, in my view, black and white seed |
| Remi-Teas that has been retailing chia for several | | | | are very close in nutrition and as William Anderson |
| years, and ask her opinion. She shares the same | | | | states, climate and conditions of crops vary. |
| feeling - that white and black seed are very close | | | | Without some extensive long-term studies, it is |
| in nutrition, as the black has a tad more | | | | not easy to favor one over the other. The good |
| antioxidants than white, but white has a bit more | | | | news is that chia seed is a very nutritious food, |
| protein and milder flavor. | | | | black or white. |