Our Oceans Help Us Fight Cancer

Once again, our oceans are proving to be a very valuable ally in our war against human illness.  As we continue to search for ways to create vaccinations that help us fight off life-threatening illnesses, nature can be a source of medical breakthroughs.  In this case, the Giant Keyhold Limpet, which is a marine animal similar to an Abalone, is being grown in captivity so that its blood can be harvested.  The blood harvested contains KLH (Keyhole limpet hemocyanin) which is a lot like human hemoglobin.  This is the substance in our blood that helps move oxygen around our bodies in the most efficient manner possible.
Limpets are rather delicate creatures and getting them to grow in captivity is a challenge.  Stellar Biotechnologies has built an unusual medical facility that is located right on the ocean at Point Hueneme in Southern California.  By building the facility so close to the sea, they are able to pump the nutrient-dense ocean water into their facility and into the tanks where the limpets live.  The difference here is that the limpets are not removed from their natural environment and killed in order to harvest their blood, instead the researchers here have figured out a way to harvest the KLH without harming the animals in the process.
By growing them specifically for this purpose the numbers of limpets in the wild will not be affected.  Now they can be "harvested" numerous times a year and by growing them in these controlled circumstances, the chance of cross-contamination is also greatly reduced.
KLH is a very important part of today's vaccines.  It works by attaching to much smaller amounts of the inactive virus contained in the vaccine and then helping our immune system "see" the virus and thereby helping the body to build antibodies much more quickly.  In the past, a vaccine might actually harm the recipient because, even with an inactive virus, the toxin is still present.  By lowering the amount of inactive virus used in vaccine, the chances of developing illness are reduced.  There is great hope that a cancer vaccine may be able to be developed that will never have a chance to harm the person that receives it.
With cancer the antigens that are produced are mostly made up of your own tissue.  The body does not recognize these antigens as something to be eradicated because the body only "sees" itself.  If KLH could be attached to those cancer cells they can help the body recognize the disease and then respond by building antibodies.  As researchers continue searching for a cancer vaccine they need a lot of KLH, so this facility at Point Hueneme may actually be partly responsible for the development of that vaccine in the near future.
The more we learn about the diversity in our planets oceans the more opportunity we have to find ways in which it can help us lead better lives. Here at Whale Tail Tortilla Chips we are also in the business of helping people lead better, and healthier, lives.  Contact us to find out where you can find us in your neighborhood.

Bringing the Hip Back to Chips n Dips

If there is one thing tortilla chips lack, its style. Plain, white, triangle. Sure, you have your round tortilla chips, or your bowl shaped tortilla chips, or tortilla chips made of wheat, or sprinkled with lemon, but where is the fun? Lets face it, tortilla chips are simply a transportation device for salsa.

But there is still hope for the tortilla chip and its devoted fans. On the west coast of the country in a land inspired by sunsets and ocean mist, we find the collision of creativity and the tortilla chip. Here is a chip for the painters, for the mid-afternoon surfers, for the thinkers, for the dreamers...and well, for the those of us that find ourselves with the munchies.Whale Tail Chips brings something new to snack table. It brings boldness in shape, and also in flavor. To start things off, they are shaped like the tail of a whale ( If you didn't catch that already). Now, you can perform acrobatic dives in your sea of salsa like you always wanted to. Bring on the waves! With three unique, mouthwatering choices on the front lines, your palate wont get bored.

One of those flavors is Hawaiian Barbeque. This chip brings a party of flavors together for a taste bud pleasing experience. Mango and Lime are the all-stars of the show. Together, with other ingredients, they bring you a tropical barbeque flavor that is tasty alone, or with your favorite salsa.

Now, you may ask, " Where do I buy such an amazing chip?" And the answer....Well, you can find them all over the great state of California, in Washington, and Oregon, in Hawaii, and in select stores in the states of Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Utah and Idaho. ( Check Website for more details)

They can also be ordered in packs of 1.5 oz and 9 oz bags online and shipped to your location. So now you know about Whale Tail Chips. Go buy them, try them, eat them, dip them, scoop them, lick them, bite them, and munch them! C'mon, haven't you ever wondered what a tortilla chip shaped like the tail of a whale might taste like?

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Exploring the Many Benefits of Chia Seeds for your Health

Here in America, people tend to think of Chia seeds as something that are used to grow plants that resemble furry animals. The fact is that they have been included in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries, not only because they have health benefits, but because they taste delicious as well. When you learn of some of the benefits of chia seeds, you may just want to try them for yourself.
Improves Heart Health-Chia seeds are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce bad levels of cholesterol in the body. These seeds are also high in dietary fiber, and may help to reduce fat stores around the heart, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Antioxidants-Chia seeds help eliminate toxins from the body, and also help support healthy elimination
Rich in nutrients-In addition to high levels of protein, chia seeds also contain approximately 18% of your daily-recommended allowance of calcium, 35% of phosphorus, 50% for manganese, and 24% for magnesium.
Promotes weight loss-Consuming chia seeds on a daily basis is thought to help speed your metabolism, thereby enhancing your weight loss efforts. They also help to suppress the appetite, and the fact that they contain high levels of protein means that you are more likely to lose fat rather than muscle while you slim down.
Helps manage diabetes-A person’s insulin levels are easier to control whenever chia seeds are added to the diet. Regular consumption of chia seeds helps to reduce insulin resistance while also decreasing high blood glucose levels.
Eases arthritis suffering-Since chia seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, they are also beneficial to those who are suffering from arthritis. There is some evidence that they might help relieve some of the pain associated with this condition as well.
Increases energy-Chia seeds help boost energy levels naturally without leaving you feeling jittering or experiencing a “crash” some time later.
How to Eat Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are virtually tasteless; however, they do add texture to food, and are ideal for baking bread with. Other uses for them including sprinkling on cereal, ice cream, salads, vegetables or putting in smoothies.
If you’re looking for a fun way to include chia seeds in your diet, try our blue corn chips that are sprinkled lightly with them. To find out where to buy blue corn chips or any of our other flavors, contact us today.