Thermal and Physicochemical Properties and Nutritional Value of the Protein Fraction of Mexican Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.)

Thermal, functional and nutritional properties of the main protein fractions and a protein isolate of chia seed from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, gelling, foaming, water-holding capacity (WHC) and oil-holding capacity, amino acid profile, chemical score and in vitro digestibility tests. The protein isolate showed good WHC (4.06 g/g) and excellent oil-retention capacities (4.04 g/g), making it attractive as an additive in bakery products and food emulsions. It also contained high amounts of glutamic acid (123 g/kg raw protein), arginine (80.6 g/kg raw protein) and aspartic acid (61.3 g/kg raw protein). However, its essential amino acid profile showed deficiencies with respect to the 1985 standard of the FAO/WHO/UNU for pre-school children. Therefore, its use as a sole protein source is not recommended; supplementation with a lysine-rich source would be necessary, as this was the limiting amino acid.