Cereals and pseudocereals are the foods that human race has sustained itself from times immemorial. They are good sources of starch and fibres, proteins with good quality of amino acids, lipids, B complex vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and phosphorus. They are usually consumed as bread, breakfast cereals or cereal bars in developed countries.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a pseudo cereal that has been consumed by the world population due to its protective, functional and antioxidant properties attributed to the presence of lipids, dietary fibre, protein, phenolic compounds, vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that chia has hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hypersensitive and cardio protective actions.

Consumption of chia has increased due to its beneficial effects related to obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some types of cancer. These benefits result primarily of the high concentration of essential fatty acids, dietary fibre, antioxidants, flavonoids, anthocyanins, vitamins, carotenoids and minerals present in this seed.