Chia Seeds – Research

Latin Name: Salvia hispanica

Family: Lamiacaea

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action. This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.

GENERAL

• In a review of human studies, chia seeds were shown to help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and diastolic blood pressure.  However, further high quality human studies are needed.  From:  Teoh, S. L., Lai, N. M., Vanichkulpitak, P., Vuksan, V., Ho, H., & Chaiyakunapruk, N. (2018). Clinical evidence on dietary supplementation with chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition reviews, 76(4), 219-242.
• From:  Parker, J., Schellenberger, A. N., Roe, A. L., Oketch-Rabah, H., & Calderón, A. I. (2018). Therapeutic perspectives on chia seed and its oil: A review. Planta medica.

ANTIOXIDANT

• Chia seeds were found to be a rich source of isoflavones and antioxidants (including rosmarinic acid, protocatechuic ethyl ester, and more.  From:   Martínez-Cruz, O., & Paredes-Lopez, O. (2014). Phytochemical profile and nutraceutical potential of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) by ultra high performance liquid chromatography. Journal of Chromatography A, 1346, 43-48.

WEIGHT LOSS

• Chia seeds are high in fiber and can absorb over 10 times their weight in water, making them a good ingredient in diatetic products.  From:  Alfredo, V. O., Gabriel, R. R., Luis, C. G., & David, B. A. (2009). Physicochemical properties of a fibrous fraction from chia (Salvia hispanica L.). LWT-Food Science and Technology, 42(1), 168-173.

Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski

Updated; 11/8/18