Chia: A Seed of Strength

Chia seeds have a long history in Aztec and Mayan culture, touted for their ability to provide nutrition and sustainable energy. Quite fittingly, “chia ” is the Mayan word for “strength.”
 
Chia seeds are a versatile, nutrient-packed seed rich in fiber and a heart-healthy plant-based omega-3 fat called alpha-linolenic acid or ALA. They also are a source of minerals like magnesium and calcium, two nutrients necessary for strong bones. 
 
Chia seeds may help lower blood sugar and reduce heart disease risk factors. One study showed individuals with diabetes who ate about 3 tablespoons of chia seeds daily for 6 months lost more weight than those who didn’t. Other studies have linked chia seeds with a reduction in blood pressure.
 
Want to include more chia seeds into your diet? You can start by:

• Mixing them into yogurt or oatmeal
• Adding them to smoothies
• Using them as a thickener for soup
• Adding some ground chia seeds to the breading of homemade chicken tenders
• Mixing them into baked goods like muffins and breads. For a vegan substitution, soak 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in 3 tablespoons of water as a substitute for an egg.

 
REFERENCES:
Ho H, Lee AS, Jovanovski E, Jenkins AL, Desouza R, Vuksan V. Effect of whole and ground Salba seeds (Salvia Hispanica L.) on postprandial glycemia in healthy volunteers: a randomized controlled, dose-response trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013; 67(7): 786-8. 
Toscano LT, da Silva CS, Toscano LT, de Almeida AE, Santos Ada C, Silva AS. Chia flour supplementation reduces blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2014 Dec; 69(4):392-8. 
Vuksan V, Choleva L, Jovanovski E, Jenkins AL, Au-Yeung F, Dias AG, Ho HV, Zurbau A, Duvnjak L. Comparison of flax (Linum usitatissimum) and Salba-chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds on postprandial glycemia and satiety in healthy individuals: a randomized, controlled, crossover study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2017;71(2):234-238. 
Vuksan V, Jenkins AL, Brissette C, Choleva L, Jovanovski E, Gibbs AL, Bazinet RP, Au-Yeung F, Zurbau A, Ho HV, Duvnjak L, Sievenpiper JL, Josse RG, Hanna A. Salba-chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in the treatment of overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2017; 27(2):138-146. 
Vuksan V, Jenkins AL, Dias AG, Lee AS, Jovanovski E, Rogovik AL, Hanna A. Reduction in postprandial glucose excursion and prolongation of satiety: possible explanation of the long-term effects of whole grain Salba (Salvia Hispanica L.). Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010; 64(4):436-8. 
Vuksan V, Whitham D, Sievenpiper JL, Jenkins AL, Rogovik AL, Bazinet RP, Vidgen E, Hanna A. Supplementation of conventional therapy with the novel grain Salba (Salvia hispanica L.) improves major and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: results of a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care. 2007; 30(11): 2804-10. 

By Sydney Duong, Dietetic Intern