Chia Seeds Research Articles

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 Alone and Combined with Chia Seeds on Metabolic Syndrome and Parameters Related to Gut Health in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

This study researched the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PMO 08 alone and combined with chia seeds on metabolic syndrome and parameters related to microbiota modulation and intestinal barrier integrity in obese mice fed high-fat diets (HFDs; 45% kcal fat). Male C57BL/6J mice were acclimated for a period of 2 weeks and then randomly separated into five groups depending on whether they received a normal diet (ND group), an HFD (HFD group), an HFD with L. plantarum (PMO group), an HFD with L. plantarum combined with chia seeds (PMOChia group), or an HFD with chia seeds (Chia group). Serum lipid profiles and related markers (cholesterol metabolism-related gene expression) were measured. Intestinal barrier integrity was assessed by measuring occludin mRNA expression of tight junction proteins. Mucosal bacteria were checked with quantitative reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). After 16 weeks of feeding, the PMO group showed significantly lower serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, atherogenic index, and cardiac risk factors compared to the HFD group. Moreover, the hepatic mRNA expression of SREBP2 (sterol regulatory element binding protein 2), a protein related to cholesterol metabolism, was significantly downregulated in the PMO group. We also found a positive synergistic effect in the PMOChia group, as manifested by the hepatic mRNA expression of hepatic CYP7A1 (cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase), strengthening of the gut barrier function, and the promotion of more L. plantarum in the colonic mucosa than in either the HFD or PMO group. In conclusion, our results indicate that PMO 08 may protect against metabolic syndrome by exerting effects on the regulation of lipid metabolism. Although the effects of chia seeds alone remain uncertain based on this experiment, its combination with PMO 08 was demonstrated to improve multiple beneficial effects of PMO 08 in obese mice fed HFD, which is a promising possibility for future research.

Application of a novel approach to modelling the supercritical extraction kinetics of oil from two sets of chia seeds

The kinetics of the supercritical fluid extraction of edible and discarded chia seeds was studied and modelled for the first time. The total oil was removed at 45 MPa and 60 °C after 240 min. The extraction kinetics was simulated using a dynamic model in gPROMS ModelBuilder environment and the kinetic parameters estimated. Triolein was chosen as a model compound of the chia oil. The agreement between the experimental yields and those calculated by the model was good with deviations in the range (1.2–6.6) %, except at 25 MPa and 60 °C (AARD = 9.5%).

Application of a novel approach to modelling the supercritical extraction kinetics of oil from two sets of chia seeds

Application of a novel approach to modelling the supercritical extraction kinetics of oil from two sets of chia seeds

Usage of chia seeds in the composition of dietary semi-finished minced prod-ucts

The article deals with the results of sensory analysis of semi-finished minced fish products with non-traditional raw materials (seeds of chia) by the flavor profile method, and establishing their compliance with the hypothetical standard. It is shown the expediency of its use to assess the overall impression about the combination of freshwater fish with plant materials for the diversification of biologically valuable food products. The obtained positive results of organoleptic studies have shown the expediency of combining the chia seeds with freshwater fish, and it is proved by high indicators of such descriptors as: the overall impression, harmonious, fishy, sweet-salty taste. As for the consistency, fish cutlets are plastic and dense on the cut. The article deals with the results of the chemical composition, organoleptic evaluation and physical and chemical changes in semi-finished minced products with the addition of non-traditional raw materials and the establishment of their shelf life. The expediency of combining a freshwater fish with plant material to expand the range of biologically valuable food products is presented in the article. The research has established that the use of non-traditional raw materials in a production of semi-finished minced products allows not only to improve the technology of production, but also to solve the problem of obtaining the product of a high nutritional value. The author found that the developed technology of production of semi-finished fish products will significantly expand the range of products of functional purpose based on natural components, which will allow, to some extent, to expand the actual problem of processing raw materials from domestic reservoirs in Ukraine.

Protocolo de análisis de viabilidad de semillas de chía mediante test de tetrazolio

La chía (Salvia hispanica L.) es una planta herbácea anual, perteneciente a la familia Lamiaceae, se destaca por ser el recurso natural de origen vegetal con mayor contenido de ácidos grasos conocidos hasta ahora. Para obtener éxito en la producción de semillas es necesario utilizar lotes de alta calidad, la cual puede ser evaluada, a través del vigor de estas, en la actualidad una de las principales exigencias para la evaluación del vigor se refiere a la obtención de resultados confiables en un período de tiempo relativamente corto. La prueba de tetrazolio se destaca por ser rápida y confiable. Sin embargo, la metodología para el género Salvia no es referenciada dentro de las normas de la International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), considerando estos hechos, se vuelve importante a la realización del experimento para el desarrollo de un protocolo que permita realizar este análisis. La investigación se realizó en el laboratorio de semillas de la Universidad Feneral de Pelotas, se utilizaron seis lotes de semillas negras de chía y se probaron cuatro concentraciones de sal de tetrazolio (0.075%, 0.1%, 0.5% y 1%) para evaluar la viabilidad de las semillas. El delineamiento experimental fue en bloques al azar, sometidos al análisis de varianza a través del test F y posteriormente las medias comparadas entre sí por el test de Tukey, al 5% de probabilidad, para comparación de las medias. La prueba de tetrazolio conducida en la concentración de 0.075% es eficiente para evaluar la viabilidad de las semillas de S. hispanica L., así como para diferenciar lotes con calidad fisiológica distinta.

Quality Characteristics of Chicken Sausage Formulated with Chia Seeds

The aim of this investigation was to improve the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of chicken sausage formulated with partial replacement of the whole chicken meat with whole chia seed powder (WCSP) at levels 0, 2, 4, and 6%. The resultant sausages were evaluated for proximate composition and fatty acid profile, pH value, sensory properties (taste, texture, odor, color and general acceptability), water holding capacity, cooking loss, cooking yield and shrinkage during refrigerated storage period at 4±1°C for 21 days. The results regarding that the substitution of chicken meat with WCSP improved the fatty acids profile, which increased the total poly unsaturated fatty acids and reduced the omega- 6 to omega-3 ratio. Moreover, improved texture, odor and taste, decreased the cooking loss and shrinkage percentages while increased the cooking yield percentage and water holding capacity. Control sample presented lower (p<0.05) pH values compared with treatments formulated with chia seeds. All pH values declined significantly during 21days of refrigerated storage at 4±1°C. All of the resultant chicken sausage was acceptable. No differences were detected in the sensory characteristics of resultant chicken sausage (control, 2 and 4% whole chia seed powder) but significant differences with 6%.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) – A Potential Crop for Food and Nutrition Security in Africa

There has been an increasing demand for functional foods with numerous health benefits due to intensified consumer awareness leading to a major shift in the consumption patterns of food. This has largely been attributed to increased lifestyle diseases across different populations. The use of food with nutraceutical and functional properties for management of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems is now gaining momentum among the public. Consequently, the consumption of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) has increased in recent years particularly due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. Chia seeds also contain high quality proteins which offer all the essential amino acids and several vital minerals. In addition, chia seeds are a potential source of antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol with the major phenolic acid being rosmarinic. Owing to the rich nutritional profile, chia seeds provide numerous health benefits such as; cardiac protective and hepatic protective effects, anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic properties. The high amounts of dietary fibers present in the seeds also confer benefits by preserving good glycemic control thus helps in controlling diabetes mellitus. In addition to the numerous health benefits accrued to consumption of chia seeds, they have great potential in application in the food industry for; development of various baked products, production of biodegradable edible films, use as emulsifiers and stabilizers among other uses. This review provides an in-depth insight into the potential of chia crop in promoting nutrition and food security by providing comprehensive information pertaining to; its origin, cultivation and distribution, physical properties, nutritional characteristics, health benefits, functional properties and its potential use in the food industry. It evident that chia seeds contain superior nutritional components as compared to other seeds and also confers many health benefits such as antioxidative, anti-hypertensive and hypoglycemic properties among others. It possesses physical and functional properties that make it an excellent crop for use in food applications for the development of functional foods. Moreover, its application not only limited to food but can also be used for feed. Chia therefore demonstrates great potential as a crop that can be utilized for improved food and nutrition security.

Mould Characterization and Mycotoxin Quantification of Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) Grown in Kenya

Chia seeds are functional food that have been considered highly nutritious. They have high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid content therefore counteract lifestyle disorder such as cardiovascular diseases. This study sought to determine the level of mould contamination in chia seeds; enumeration and characterization of the types of molds and quantification of mycotoxin level, for chia seeds grown and sold in Kenya. A complete randomized block design with triplicates was used in the study. Samples were collected at random from farmers and distributors in Nyeri, Nakuru, Busia and Trans Nzoia counties. Moulds species were isolated from PDA and MEA Medias and morphological characteristics was determined under X 40 magnification power. Mould counts were found to be between 1.33 X 103cfu/ml to 2.67 X 103cfu/ml. Mould characterization done by microscopic and macroscopic technique showed evidence of Rhizopus spp, Trichoderma spp and Fusarium spp. Amongst the three genera found, Rhizopus spp was the predominantly occurring mould. The percentage moisture content of chia seeds samples ranged from 6.49&amp;plusmn;1.26 and 9.16&amp;plusmn;0.43. Significant variations on moisture content (p&amp;lt; 0.05) were observed among chia samples from different farmers. Aflatoxin was not detected in all chia samples. It can therefore be concluded that the chia samples were not contaminated with aflatoxin although different species of mold were present. Farmers need to be trained on proper postharvest handling methods of chia seeds, as well as proper storage and an objective method of analyzing the moisture content of the chia seeds need to be developed.

Microwave-Assisted, Base-Catalyzed Synthesis of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters from Seeds and Fish Oil Supplements.

Growing health awareness has resulted in the increased use of dietary supplements derived from plants and marine sources, leaving consumers unsure of their best options. There were three objectives of the present study. The first was to design and evaluate an efficient derivatization procedure. The second was to perform a comparative analysis of liquid oils and their corresponding capsules of hemp, chia, and flax seeds. The final objective was to determine the fatty acid (FA) composition of six fish oil products and compare it to the one provided on the label. For the FA profiling, we implemented two efficient, one-step, sustainable methods with high percentage recovery for the synthesis of FA methyl esters (FAME), which use base catalysis and microwave-assisted heating. Our results found no difference in nutritional value between liquid oils and capsules of the seed supplements, with flaxseed and chia offering a higher, beneficial n-3:n-6 ratio compared to hemp oil. Four of the fish oils analyzed contained significantly less eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) than their reported label, and the other two not only agreed with the manufacturers' declaration but were able to fulfill the daily adequate intake (AI) with fewer capsules.

Influence of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) and extra virgin olive oil addition on nutritional properties of salty crackers

This research was aimed to establish the optimum formulation of crackers based on buckwheat and rye flour, chia seed and extra virgin olive oil and subsequently examine the nutritional value of final products. The addition of chia seeds significantly affected the content of alpha-linolenic fatty acid, influencing the nutritional value of crackers, which led to the remarkable reduction in the omega-6/omega-3 ratio in both rye (2.5:1) and buckwheat crackers (2.4:1). Most of the amino acids (except serine, alanine, cystine) were not significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the share of chia seeds, as well as the type of flour used. Due to high dietary fiber and protein content, the investigated cracker may have a claim "source of fiber" and "source of protein". Sensory evaluation of crackers showed that all examined samples of crackers exhibited excellent quality, implying that the presence of chia did not diminish, but rather improved some sensory attributes, such as texture.

Soluble Extracts from Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) Affect Brush Border Membrane Functionality, Morphology and Intestinal Bacterial Populations In Vivo (Gallus gallus).

This study assessed and compared the effects of the intra-amniotic administration of various concentrations of soluble extracts from chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) on the Fe and Zn status, brush border membrane functionality, intestinal morphology, and intestinal bacterial populations, in vivo. The hypothesis was that chia seed soluble extracts will affect the intestinal morphology, functionality and intestinal bacterial populations. By using the Gallus gallus model and the intra-amniotic administration approach, seven treatment groups (non-injected, 18 Ω H2O, 40 mg/mL inulin, non-injected, 5 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL of chia seed soluble extracts) were utilized. At hatch, the cecum, duodenum, liver, pectoral muscle and blood samples were collected for assessment of the relative abundance of the gut microflora, relative expression of Fe- and Zn-related genes and brush border membrane functionality and morphology, relative expression of lipids-related genes, glycogen, and hemoglobin levels, respectively. This study demonstrated that the intra-amniotic administration of chia seed soluble extracts increased (p < 0.05) the villus surface area, villus length, villus width and the number of goblet cells. Further, we observed an increase (p < 0.05) in zinc transporter 1 (ZnT1) and duodenal cytochrome b (Dcytb) proteins gene expression. Our results suggest that the dietary consumption of chia seeds may improve intestinal health and functionality and may indirectly improve iron and zinc intestinal absorption.

Vigor testings for evaluating the physiological quality of chia seeds

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a plant native to central and western Mexico and northern Guatemala belonging to the Lamiaceae family, well known for its seeds containing antioxidants, dietary fibers, and ?-linolenic acid, which helps to prevent different diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, cancer and Alzheimer. In Brazil, there is not much information about the crop, mainly about the physiological quality of its seeds. Therefore, the objective was to establish vigor testing methods to evaluate the physiological quality of chia seeds. Five seed lots were used, in which germination tests, seedling emergence, emergence velocity index and variations in the electrical conductivity test were carried out. The volume of distilled water was 25 and 50 mL, the number of seeds was 50 and 100, the temperature was 20, 25 and 30 °C, the soaking period was 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours and variations in there was accelerated aging test by the traditional method and saturated NaCl solution, being periods of aging as 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and temperatures of 38, 41 and 44 °C. It is concluded that both the electrical conductivity test and the accelerated aging test are efficient in evaluating the physiological quality of chia seeds. The electrical conductivity test must be performed with 100 seeds in 50 mL of distilled water, for four hours soaking at 25 or 30 °C; and the accelerated aging test should be performed at 44 °C for 24 hours by the traditional method or 41 °C for 24 hours using saturated NaCl solution.

Quality Characteristics of Chia Seed Porridge SAFETY from Adult Disease in Republic of KOREA

Quality Characteristics of Chia Seed Porridge SAFETY from Adult Disease in Republic of KOREA

Antioxidants, protein, oil content and fatty acids profiles of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) genotype Tzotzol growing in three tropical ecosystems of Bolivia, Ecuador and Paraguay

Chia is a summer annual of the Lamiaceae. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of growing location on the antioxidants content and composition in one genotype of chia, and the potential relationship with its major nutritional compounds, as protein, oil, and fatty acids. This study was carried out with black‑spotted chia seeds commercially grown in three different ecosystems, Tropical Rain Forest, Sub Humid Chaco, and Campo Cerrado, located in Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay, respectively. Flavonols quercetin, myrcetin, kaempherol, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and SDG lignan compound presence was detected by chromatographic analysis. No significant (P&amp;lt;0.05) differences between seed origins= were found. Total oil content was significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) higher in the seeds from Ecuador (34.2%) than all other locations, followed by the seeds from Bolivia (32.5%) which was significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) higher compared to Paraguay (31.6%). The content of α‑linolenic fatty acid in seeds from Ecuador was significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) higher compared to the seeds from all three locations. No significant correlation (P&amp;lt;0.05) between α -linolenic fatty acid and polyphenols content was detected. The results indicate that protein content, oil content and fatty acid profile characteristics of the chia are affected by the different ecological conditions of the tested ecosystems, which not affect the polyphenols content, and composition.

Chia (Salvia hispanica) protein fractions: characterization and emulsifying properties

A material with a high content of fibers and proteins is generated as a by-product of the chia oil extraction process. A strategy to add value to this by-product is to evaluate its possible use as a food ingredient. Thus, using a chia protein-rich fraction (CPRF) of chia seeds as starting material, albumins, globulins, glutelins, and prolamins fractions were obtained, characterized, and their emulsifying properties investigated. CPRF covers the essential amino acid requirements suggested by FAO; protein fractions only cover the requirements for Tre, Tyr and Val. Protein solubility profile for CPRF, globulins and prolamins was similar, with maximum solubility at pH 9. In contrast, glutelin and albumin fractions showed highest solubility at pH 5. Oil/Water (O/W) emulsions, using the chia protein fractions as emulsifying agent, were obtained at different pH (3, 5, 7, and 9) in their native and denatured state. The global stability and the destabilization kinetics of these systems were evaluated by their backscattering profiles. Additionally, the particle size distributions and their D4.3 diameter were determined. The emulsions destabilization occurred mainly by creaming process, with globulins as the fraction that led to most stable systems. Besides, high pH values improved the stability of emulsions prepared with globulins, glutelins, and the protein-rich fraction. The heat treatment application only slightly improved the emulsifying activity of the CPRF. These results indicate that chia protein fractions could be used as food ingredient to improve the amino acid content and the techno-functional properties of the functional foods.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) – a rediscovered ancient grain, from Aztecs to food laboratories

Purpose The importance of nutraceuticals and functional foods has been a topic of interest in nutrition research for many years. This review aims to summarize the findings on the nutritive value and health benefits of chia, as well as its use as a food fortificant. Design/methodology/approach Published literature on the nutritive value and therapeutic properties of chia has been reviewed. Findings Chia, an ancient grain, belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and was cultivated in Mexico and Guatemala by the Mayas and Aztecs of a pre-Columbian era. In addition to being gluten-free, chia seeds are concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids (mainly α-linolenic acid), fiber (insoluble) and polyphenolic compounds (myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic and caffeic acids), which were found to be comparatively higher than many other grains, cereals and oily seeds. Chia supplementation has potential to lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, obesity, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, pruritus and celiac disease. Because of its nutraceutical and physiochemical properties, chia has been widely used as a whole seed, flour, seed mucilage, gel and oil for developing various enriched food products, such as bread, pasta, cakes, cookies, chips, cheese, yoghurt, meat, fish and poultry. Originality/value With advancement in nutrition research, chia would have a great future perspective as feed, food and medicine. However, further research is needed to validate the potential therapeutic effect of chia supplementation on human health.

High-Intensity Light Pulses To Inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium on Mexican Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seeds

Chia seeds provide a suitable environment for microorganisms. However, it is difficult to disinfect these seeds with water and/or chemical disinfectant solutions because the mucilage in the seeds can absorb water and consequently form gels. High-intensity light pulses (HILP) is one of the most promising emerging technologies for inactivating microorganisms on surfaces, in clear liquids and beverages, and on solid foods. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of HILP on Salmonella Typhimurium in culture medium (in vitro tests) and inoculated onto chia seeds (in vivo tests). HILP was effective against Salmonella Typhimurium under both conditions: 8 s of treatment (10.32 J/cm2) resulted in a 9-log reduction during in vitro tests, and 15 s of treatment (19.35 J/cm2) resulted in a 4-log reduction on the inoculated chia seeds. Salmonella Typhimurium inactivation kinetics were accurately described using the Weibull model (R2 > 0.939). These results indicate that the use of HILP for microbial inactivation on seeds could generate products suitable for human consumption.

Dietary chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) improve acute dyslipidemia and steatohepatitis in rats.

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) are rich in omega fatty acids. Dyslipidemia and steatohepatitis are diseases that require effective treatments in obese and non-obese patients. The aim was to evaluate the effect of chia intake on acute tyloxapol (TI)-induced dyslipidemia, on acute carbon tetrachloride (TC)-induced steatohepatitis, and on mixed damage (TC+TI) in non-obese rats. Four experimental groups were fed for 4weeks a diet with established rodent food (DE), and four groups were fed a diet with 15% added chia (DC). Plasma samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, biochemical liver damage markers, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Liver samples were used to quantify glycogen, catalase, lipid peroxidation, and TNF-α. A histopathological analysis was performed. DC intake partially or totally prevented steatohepatitis, and reduced lipids in the dyslipidemic groups. The hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of chia may be correlated to its high content of α-linolenic acid (omega-3) and phenolics. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Metabolic syndrome is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which are currently the most common causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for NAFLD and NASH. Non-obese patients may have NAFLD or NASH. Metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia are more strongly associated with NAFLD in non-obese than in obese patients. This is the first study evaluating the hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of chia seed intake on acute dyslipidemia and/or steatohepatitis caused by the individual or combined administration of the inducers tyloxapol and carbon tetrachloride, respectively, in non-obese rats. The pharmacological effects of dietary chia are correlated to its high content of omega-3 and omega-6 (1:1), protein, dietary fiber, and phenolics. The results suggest that inclusion of chia in diets of non-obese patients with dyslipidemia and/or NAFLD/NASH may improve their health state and preventing cirrhosis or HCC.

Total phenolic contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) having different coat color

Due to its high nutritional value and health-promoting effects, there is an increasing interest in utilizing chia seed in the human diet. The aim of this study was to compare the compositional and functional characteristics of white and black chia seeds that are commercially available in Turkey. Compositional comparisons were done by quantifying protein, oil, ash and moisture contents. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were measured using defatted ground chia seeds. Our results revealed that black chia seeds had significantly higher protein, ash and moisture contents, compared to white chia seeds, but no difference was found in terms of oil content (P > 0.05). Conversely, the total phenolic content of white chia seeds (3.52 ± 0.08 mg GAE [gallic acid equivalent]/g sample) was significantly higher than those in black seeds (3.42 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g sample) (P < 0.05). Consequently, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between DPPH free radical scavenging activities of white and black chia seeds, with the former exhibiting 231.5 ± 6.3 mmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g, and the latter having 197.5 ± 7.4 mmol TE/g. The higher antioxidant activity of white chia seed was further confirmed by calculating IC50 values (IC50 of black chia seed = 2.001 mg/ml vs that of white chia seed = 1.735 mg/ml). Finally, we assessed antibacterial activities of chia seed extract and chia seed oil against human pathogens using agar disc-diffusion and agar well-diffusion assays. However, neither of the assays had shown antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria. Considering the previously published reports, chia seed and chia seed oil seem to possess species-, and even strain-, specific antimicrobial activities. Overall, the results of this study suggest that white chia seed has better functional properties than black seeds.

Improvement of nutritional and nutraceutical value of nixtamalized maize tortillas by addition of extruded chia flour

In this work the objectives were: (1) To optimize the extrusion conditions of defatted chia seeds maximizing antioxidant activity (AoxA), total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), and (2) To evaluate the nutritional, nutraceutical, and sensory (acceptability) properties of tortillas formulated with commercial nixtamalized maize flour (MASECAMR) and optimized extruded defatted chia flour. Response surface methodology was applied as an optimization tool. A central composite rotatable design with two factors [Extrusion temperature (ET=50-160°C), screw speed (SS=50-240 rpm)] in five levels were used. The extruded from each treatment (13) were dried and ground to obtain extruded defatted chia flours (EDCF). The desirability function was applied as optimization technique. The prediction models for each response variable were adequate and reproducible. The optimal extrusion conditions to obtain optimized extruded defatted chia flour (OEDCF) were ET=147°C/SS=237 rpm; a high global desirability (D=0.815) was associated with these optimal conditions. The tortillas elaborated with MASECATM flour + OEDCF had higher IVPD, C-PER, TPC and AoxA, and better antihypertensive potential than elaborated with only MASECATM flour. The addition of OEDCF to MASECATM flour increased the nutritional and nutraceutical value of the tortillas.