Internationally Distributed Superfood Brand Makes U.S. Debut in Sarasota

Jan. 18, 2012 - PRLog -- SARASOTA, Fla. (January 12, 2012) – Now that Santa Claus has come to town, a different kind of superstar has since followed. An international brand of the ancient superfood, chia, recently made its U.S. debut right here in Sarasota.

Chia Bia USA, partner of Ireland-based Chia Bia, is bringing the company’s whole seed chia, milled chia (with and without pure wild blueberry powder) and Certified Organic nutrient bars to the States after three years of distribution overseas. Negotiations are under way with several hotels, resorts and retail outlets, but the products initially debuted at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota in late 2011. Chia Bia USA chose to debut in Sarasota and at the world-renowned hotel because of the ideal market profile of their residents and guests, including size, affluence, food knowledge, family emphasis and organic/green buying trends.

“Chia Bia is a really exciting addition to the American natural foods industry, especially given that we offer the option of pure added fruit powder with our milled chia - something not previously available here in the U.S.” said Theresa Broughton, CEO of Chia Bia USA. “And when we analyzed the Sarasota community and culture, it was clear that this area is the perfect place to introduce our product line. It’s not too big, not too small, and consumers here are not only open to but also welcome health-promoting foods like chia.”

Yet chia is not just any health-promoting food. This modern-day superfood actually dates back to the Mayan, Aztec and Southwest Native American cultures and has many benefits. Chia:

-   Is rich in antioxidants and the highest known plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids with 2700mg Omega-3 per 15g serving
-   Has five times more calcium than milk
-   Offers a protein content ranging from 19 to 23 percent
-   Provides nearly 28 grams of fiber per 100 grams of seed, which is equivalent to 100 percent of the recommended daily dose for adults

In addition, chia is gluten, trans-fats, sugar, sodium and cholesterol free. It is also naturally pesticide free, as pesticides are unnecessary because, as a member of the mint and sage family, insects innately avoid chia.

While not a cure, because of these properties chia can be helpful in the prevention or improvement of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dry skin conditions and digestive disorders, as well as promoting brain health and improved energy and hormone levels. Chia is also highly hydrophilic, which prolongs hydration and promotes electrolyte retention, especially during exercise or exertion.

Plus, Chia Bia USA’s line of chia has earned the additional benefit of being sourced and approved by chia expert, Dr. Wayne Coats.

“Chia is truly one of the best foods you can add to your everyday diet. And with its neutral flavor, it’s also one of the easiest to eat,” said Broughton. “From cereals, to salads, to smoothies, it’s simple to add to – or sneak into - virtually any food or drink you or your children normally enjoy.”

Chia Bia USA’s products also debuted last month at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater, Fla., where the company is headquartered.

ABOUT CHIA BIA USA
Originating in Waterford, Ireland and headquartered in the U.S. in Clearwater, Fla., Chia Bia USA is the North American supplier of Salvia hispanica L., or chia, a uniquely beneficial seed classified as a raw whole food by the FDA and backed by almost 18 years of scientific and agricultural research. Additionally, Chia Bia USA’s line of chia has is sourced and approved by chia expert, Dr. Wayne Coats.

This member of the mint family is an ancient food of the Mayan, Aztec and Southwest Native American cultures and can be helpful in the prevention or improvement of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dry skin conditions and digestive disorders, as well as promoting brain health and improved energy and hormone levels. It is the highest plant source of Omega-3 and offers five-times more calcium than milk, up to 23 percent protein, the ability to prolong hydration and retain electrolytes and 100 percent of the recommended daily dose of fiber.

Chia Bia USA presents these benefits through its diverse product line of whole chia seed; milled chia, both plain with 100 percent wild-crafted blueberry; and Certified Organic nutrient bars in three flavors: chocolate cranberry coconut, chocolate apricot, and pumpkin chocolate nut and seed.

For more information on Chia Bia, call 727.403.6273 or visit online at www.chiabiausa.com.