Good Quality Protein

Chia is a protein source of high-biological value, providing all essential amino acids: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine.

Chia has 19 to 23% of protein content:  a larger proportion than that found in traditional cereals such as wheat (13.7%), corn (9.4%), rice (6.5%), oatmeal (16.9%) and barley (12.5%).

The protein contained in Dr Chia is gluten-free; gluten causes the coelia disease.  Dr Chia  is certified as gluten-free foodstuff and is therefore suitable for consumption by individuals affected with this disease.

The Proteins and You

Proteins produce satiety…

Proteins are organic substances formed by amino acids – its simplest unit -, some of which are essential (cannot be synthesize by the human body), so they must be a part of our diet.

Isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine are essential amino acids. The quality of the different proteins is determined in relation to the amount of essential amino acids in their content.  Proteins with sufficient amounts of each of the essential amino acids are of high biological value, and when an essential amino acid is missing, then the biological value of of the protein decreases.

Research conducted on the digestibility and biological value of the protein content in Dr Chia has shown that Dr Chía is a good quality protein source, as it has all essential amino acids.

Protein functions: plastic, structural or building

Proteins are a part of our bodily structure and provide the necessary material for growth and repair of human tissues and organs; for example, keratin is present in the skin, nails and hair; collagen is present in bones, tendons and cartilages, and elastin is mostly found in ligaments.

Regulatory Function
Some proteins contribute to regulate cell activities.  Some hormones are proteinaceous in nature (insulin, the growth hormone), many enzymes are proteins that enable organic reactions, and some neurotransmitters display an amino acid structure or are amino acid derivatives and regulate the transmission of nerve impulses.

Defense Function
Proteins are part of the body’s immune or defense system (antibodies, immunoglobulin). They intervene in the coagulation process and prevent the loss of blood when a blood vessel is damaged.

Transportation Function
Proteins act as fats (apoproteins) and oxygen (hemoglobin) transport carriers.  They also facilitate incorporation into the cells (as membrane transporters) of substances such as glucose, amino acids, etc.

Energetic Function
When intake of carbohydrates and fats is insufficient to meet the body’s energetic requirements, the amino acids in proteins are used as energy fuel (1 gr. of protein provides 4 Kcal).