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Science & nutrition

A functional food, grounded in evidence.

Chia's benefits come from what it is — not what's added to it. Here is the composition, the mechanisms and the regulatory framework behind Benexia's ingredients.

Composition

Why chia, by the numbers.

A single seed concentrates fats, fiber, protein and micronutrients that formulators would otherwise blend from several sources.

~60–63% Omega-3 ALA of the seed oil
~34% Dietary fiber of the whole seed
~20% Protein of the whole seed
~30% Oil content of the whole seed

Indicative ranges for whole Salvia hispanica. Exact values are provided on each ingredient's technical data sheet and certificate of analysis.

Mechanisms

Three ways chia works.

Omega-3 ALA & heart health

Chia is one of the richest natural sources of omega-3 ALA, and chia oil is over 63% ALA — the highest of any edible oil.

  • ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is an essential fatty acid the body cannot make on its own.
  • The EU authorizes the claim that ALA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels (2 g ALA/day).
  • Plant-based and neutral in flavor — no fishy notes, no marine sourcing.

Fiber, mucilage & the gut

Whole chia is roughly one-third dietary fiber, combining soluble and insoluble fractions.

  • Chia mucilage forms a gel that binds water and adds structure to formulations.
  • Soluble fiber acts as a prebiotic substrate, supporting a healthy gut microbiota.
  • XIA Fiber can replace gums and stabilizers with a single clean-label ingredient.

Complete plant protein

Chia protein delivers all nine essential amino acids — a genuinely complete plant protein.

  • XIA Protein concentrates ~40% protein with excellent dispersibility.
  • Functions as emulsifier, thickener and gelling agent in beverages and dairy.
  • A clean, allergen-conscious alternative to soy and dairy proteins.
Regulatory framework

Claims you can stand behind.

We help you navigate what's allowable market by market — from EU health-claim thresholds to chia's Novel Food status and US structure/function claims.

European Union

Chia (Salvia hispanica) is an authorized Novel Food in the European Union under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, with EFSA safety opinions covering whole & ground seed and partially-defatted chia powder.

In the EU, "Source of omega-3" requires ≥ 0.3 g ALA/100 g and "High in omega-3" ≥ 0.6 g ALA/100 g; the authorized health claim states that ALA contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels (2 g ALA/day).

United States

In the United States, the FDA regulates chia as a food (not a food additive), and permits structure/function claims for heart, immune and skin/hair/nail health under standard conditions.

A "High in omega-3 ALA" content claim in the US generally requires ≥ 320 mg ALA per reference amount (RACC).

Health and nutrient-content claims vary by country. Please refer to local labeling regulations or contact us to discuss the claims allowable in your market.

Proprietary process

MicroTech® — the seed, disaggregated.

MicroTech® is Benexia's patented, solvent-free milling technology. It breaks chia into micro-particles — below 435 microns for XIA Fiber and below 125 microns for XIA Protein — without enzymes, solvents or additives, preserving nutrition, flavor and shelf life.

  • No solvents, enzymes or processing aids
  • Retains antioxidant capacity and omega-3 stability
  • Consistent particle size for reliable functionality
Answers

Science questions, answered.

Why is chia a good source of omega-3?

Chia is one of the richest natural sources of omega-3 ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), and chia oil is over 63% ALA — the richest of any edible oil. Unlike marine omega-3, it is plant-based, neutral in flavor and free of fishy notes.

Is chia protein a complete protein?

Yes. Chia protein is a complete plant protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. Benexia’s XIA Protein concentrate delivers roughly 40% protein alongside dietary fiber and omega-3, with excellent dispersibility for beverages and dairy.

Building a health claim?

Our regulatory and technical teams can share the dossiers, studies and specifications you need for your market.