The Magic of Chia: Revival of an Ancient Wonder Food (Paperback)

~ James Scheer (Author) "ANCIENT HISTORY RAN SMACK INTO MODERN HISTORY A FEW years ago when Ciraldo Chacarito, a fifty-two-year-old Tarahumara Indian from the Copper Canyon region of Mexico,..." (more)
Key Phrases: chin gel, chic seed, chia seed, Harrison Doyle, Bob Andersen, Chia Pet (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Jim Scheer has been one of my favorite nutrition reporters and editors for more than twenty years because he is always at the forefront of nutritional research analysis. Now he has written a fascinating book on the health benefits of chia. Everyone should read this new book about this old food that has become available once again."
—Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D.

"The combined effect (of desert foods such as chia, cholla, and mesquite) is to prevent wide swings in blood sugar, slow down the digestive process, and delay the return of hunger."
—Jane E. Brody, from her New York Times article, "Desert's Bounty Beats Overweight and Diabetes"

"James Scheer has unlocked the secrets of the magic of chia. Through easy-to-use recipes, he tells us how to discover the magic in this ancient, natural, and healthy food."
—Dr. Earl Mindell, author of The Vitamin Bible, Herb Bible, and Prescription Alternatives

Product Description

In the Magic of Chia, authority James F. Scheer details the seed's abundant nutrients: calcium, amylose (a slow-burning starch helpful for hypoglycemics), a vast array of vitamins and minerals, and an unusually good ratio of omega-3 oil to omega-6 oil. The book reintroduces this wonder food to the modern palate, with numerous tested recipes for using chia to upgrade the nutritional value of hamburgers, soups, salads, breads, fruit drinks, and much more. Included is the never-before-told story about the twenty-year program to domesticate the wild chia and, for the first time in modern history, grow it in large enough quantities to supply the U.S. and world markets.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Frog Books (December 29, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583940405
• ISBN-13: 978-1583940402
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #31,861 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #22 in	Books > Science > Medicine > Alternative & Holistic > Naturopathy
  #27 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Alternative Medicine > Naturopathy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book will grow on you!, May 24, 2001

By	Chris Valgardson (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

James Scheer has written and co-authored many excellent health books, and has a long and solid reputation in the nutrition industry. This book pays its respects to the many people who have been trying to make Chia seed a viable crop and educate others on its incredible health benefits. Although a bit simple in its approach, it is an up-to-date resource for those just learning about the magic of the chia seed and its future potential for changing the health of millions. Read it, apply it, and pass it on!

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chia Seed IS a miracle of nature, January 1, 2008

By	Emily - See all my reviews

Well, "they" say that the ancients knew best! In the case of chia, that appears to be true. One thing that chia seeds delivers, is boron, which helps transfer calcium to the bones. The author of the Magic of Chia does an excellent job of explaining the historical significance of chia seed, along with its nutritional value. You need to read this one, and start eating it, as I do!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars CHIA, July 8, 2008

By	Abby (Plano, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Chia seeds have been around for years, but few people have heard about them. I was very interested in what the author said about the benefits of eating Chia seeds and adding them to your cooking. There are several pages of recipes included.