Waterford Company Chia Bia

Wednesday, 25th April 2012

Waterford Company Chia Bia introduce Chia Seed for your heart, mind & body

You've heard of Flax, Pumpkin and Sunflower Seeds, now meet Chia, as Patrick Holford says 'The best all-rounder' Chia Bia Blueberry and Cranberry mixes and Chia Bia Organic Nutrient Bars are the latest additions to the exciting new range of products made from super food Chia. Dr. Wayne Coates rediscovered Chia seed, an ancient food of the Aztecs, in 1991 after it had disappeared from common knowledge over 500 years ago. In 2009, Irish company Chia Bia, based in Tramore, Co. Waterford, began bringing Chia products to the European market, and last year, Chia Bia expanded into Malaysia, Canada and the United States.

Chia originates in Mexico and South America where the Aztecs and Mayans had long known the benefits of eating Chia. It was so valued that it was offered to their gods in ceremonies, was used as currency and was also used for wounds, upset stomachs, body odour, prostate problems, sore throats and many other illnesses.

Chia is a complete food, which contains the highest plant source of omega-3 with soluble and insoluble fibre, protein and antioxidants to help get your heart, mind and body in shape. The main health benefits associated with Chia Bia include; reduced blood pressure, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and improved concentration and energy levels. Chia Bia can also help promote weight loss as the seeds can absorb 12 times their weight in water; this results in a gel forming in the stomach that slows the absorption of carbohydrates and leaves you feeling fuller for longer helping you avoid the 3pm slump!

Dr. Wayne Coates, the man responsible for rediscovering Chia, has spent the last 21 years researching and developing the crop and has been hugely influential in making the seed accessible to all and raising awareness of Chia's many benefits. Dr. Coates said, "I source and approve all Chia Bia seeds to ensure that only the best goes into each Chia Bia product. I am delighted that Chia is now accessible globally and everyone can benefit from the nutrition it provides in just a 15g serving per day."

Ray Owens, Sales and Marketing Manager of Chia Bia said, "Chia seed is a revolutionary super food that was used by the Aztecs for its numerous health benefits. Chia can be added to your diet quite easily as the seeds are tasteless and not affected by the baking process. The organic nutrient bars mean you can now enjoy Chia on the go and have the reassurance that you are helping your heart, body and mind."

Chia Bia Organic Nutrient Bars will be available in three flavours; Chocolate, Cranberry & Coconut, Chocolate, Apricot & Pumpkin and Chocolate, Nut & Seed. Chia Bia Blueberry and Cranberry mixes will each be available in all Chia Bia stockists in the coming weeks (RRP €9.95each*). The organic bars and the Blueberry & Cranberry mix bags will join the range of other Chia Bia products available; 400g bags of Whole or 315g bags of Milled Chia Seed (RRP €9.95*), 100g bags of Whole or Milled Chia Seed - all of which can be used in a variety of ways such as on salads, in yogurt or in shakes and Organic Chia Seed Bread Mix (RRP €2.99*). All Chia Bia Seed are naturally Gluten free, Trans fat free, Non GMO, Pesticide free and sugar free.

Chia Bia is available in Dunnes Stores, Supervalu and in all good health stores nationwide. Visit http://www.chiabia.com for more on information on Chia Bia.

Retail prices are at the sole discretion of the individual retailer.