Benefits-Of-Chia-Seed-Salvia-Hispanica-L.

Chia Seed Come From Desert Plant Salvia Hispanica, A Member Of Mint Family. Salvia Hispanica Seed Often Is Sold Under Its Common Name “Chia.”

By Muhammad Hussnain, Muhammad Asad

Introduction:

Chia Seed Come From The Desert Plant Salvia Hispanica, A Member Of The Mint Family. Salvia Hispanica Seed Often Is Sold Under Its Common Name “Chia” As Well As Several Trademarked Names. Its Origin Is Believed To Be In Central America Where The Seed Was A Staple In The Ancient Aztec Diet.

Nutritional properties:

Chia seed are highly valued for their nutritional properties and medicinal value. It contains healthy omega­­­-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber and protein-including all essential amino acids, vitamins, calcium, and other important minerals. Besides, it is also a rich source of polyphenol and antioxidants. Rosmarinus acid and daidzein were the presence of myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, caffeic acid. In this review, nutritional properties, phytochemical and genomic research of chia seeds have been discussed. Data obtained (g/100 g dry basis).         

                                                                       Proteins        Lipids        Minerals        Fiber        Soluble carbohydrates

                                                                        18.45%        31.33%         4..45%          24.45%                 21.38%

Benefits of Chia seeds:

1.Weight loss:

Chia seeds contain nearly 5 grams of fiber per tablespoon, and their high levels of omega-3-fatty acids and alpha-linoleic acid may be useful for weight loss. However, Nutrition Research concludes that in overweight adults chia seeds have “no influence on body mass or composition.

2.Treating diverticulosis:

The exact causes of diverticular disease are not known but the condition has repeatedly been associated with a low fiber diet. High-fiber diets have been shown to decrease the prevalence in flare-ups of diverticulitis by absorbing water in the colon and making bowel movements easier to pass.

3.Cardiovascular disease and cholesterol:

A review of 67 separate controlled trails found that even a modest 10-gram per day increase in fiber intake reduced LDL or bad cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol. Increased fiber intake has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Recent studies have shown that dietary fiber may play a role in regulating the immune system and inflammation. In this way, it may decrease the risk of inflammation-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity.

4.Diabetes:

A diet with adequate fiber prevents constipation and promotes regularity for a healthy digestive tract. Regular bowel movements are crucial for the daily excretion of toxins through the bile and stool. While there aren’t many studies on the effect of chia on blood glucose and insulin resistance, a study suggests that chia seeds may have the ability to convert glucose into slow-release carbohydrate. This could have a positive effect on people with type-2 diabetes. The National Institute of Medicine found that diets with 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories were associated with significant reduction in the risk of both coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

5.Omega-3’s to fight heart disease:

The richest sources of plant-based omega-3s are chia seeds, flaxseeds, hempseed, and walnuts Research suggests that omega-3s can decrease the risk for thrombosis and arrhythmias, disorders that can lead to heart attack, stroke and sudden cardiac death.

  • Recipe to make a Green chia smoothie:

To make a green chia smoothie, blend 2 cups of spinach, 1.5 cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. Then add one peeled orange, a cup of strawberries and a cup of frozen blueberries and blend again.

Conclusion:

Chia seed is a good choice of healthy oil to maintain a balanced serum lipid profile. Furthermore, details on the mechanisms of chia seed’s hypolipidemic effects need to be studied and compared with those of the isolated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid.