Salba and Chia Seeds

by Ann
(MI)

Do I need both Salba and Chia Seeds?

If I use Salba do I need Chia seeds too?

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Hi Ann,

That's a very good question! Unfortunately, a combination of history and marketing has caused some confusion and it's easy to understand why.


Salba and Chia Seeds are essentially the exact same thing! :)


They are both the same grain with the botanical name salvia hispanica L.. There are white seeds and black seeds.


The white (Salba seeds) have been developed through careful cultivation. Some claim that the white grain is higher in nutritional content and more beneficial.


Those who cultivated the white strain named it Salba because of the botanical name (salvia hispanica L.) and the Latin word "alba" which means "white."


The black (Chia seeds) are the same species as the white. They, too, are highly nutritious and very beneficial to digestion and can aid in various health concerns. I'm not sure who came up with the name chia, but it may be the common name that has been used for years in it's native Spanish countries.


My family has always used the white Salba grain, because that's what we "discovered" first. But, from what I can determine through my reading, the Chia grain is also very effective.


You can often find the chia seeds much cheaper than the Salba, in fact they are half the price at Puritan's Pride.


Well, Ann, I hope this answers your question sufficiently about whether or not you need both chia seeds and Salba. You don't! Try one, then try the other and see which one seems to give you the best results. I'd love to hear your opinion.

To your good health!
Angie