What are the health
benefits of Chia Seed?
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What is Chia Seed? What are its potential health benefits?

Potential Health Benefits of Chia Seed

Some people market Chia seed as a muscle and tissue builder and
an energizer of endurance. They also claim that Chia seed has
high oil contents, and it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid and
calcium. Some marketers or venders suggest a lot of health
benefits associated with Chia seeds. However, scientific evidence
for its health claims is quite limited. Here are a few studies
suggesting its potential health benefits.

Researchers from University of Litoral, Argentina showed that
intake of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) prevented the onset of
dyslipidaemia in a study of rats. [1] While, researchers from The
University of Arizona showed that intake of chia seed could improve
the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio in rats; proper ratio of fatty acids may
lower the risk of having coronary heart disease. [2]

From some basic studies, Chia seed has been recognized as a rich
source of omega-3 fatty acid; it may provide various health
benefits. However, research studies, especially clinical studies, for
its health claims are very limited.

Reference:

[1] Chicco AG, D'Alessandro ME, Hein GJ, Oliva ME, Lombardo YB.
Dietary chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) rich in alpha-linolenic acid
improves adiposity and normalises hypertriacylglycerolaemia and
insulin resistance in dyslipaemic rats. Br J Nutr. 2009
Jan;101(1):41-50. Epub 2008 May 20. [2] Ayerza R Jr, Coates W.
Effect of dietary alpha-linolenic fatty acid derived from chia when
fed as ground seed, whole seed and oil on lipid content and fatty
acid composition of rat plasma. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(1):27-34.
Epub 2007 Mar 14.