Researchers say chia seeds are a superfood that can help fight world hunger and climate change
It has long been known that chia seeds are a type ofsuper food”—and new research provides even more reasons to support this assertion.
What effects do Chia seeds have on health?
Chia seeds are very small and round, coming in colors like black, brown and white. They are members of the mint family, related to rosemary, scarlet sage and other herbs.
Like its genetic relatives, chia seeds are known to offer many nutritional benefits. They have high concentrations fiber and contains healthy fats and protein. Furthermore, their flavor is mild, making them an easy addition to many favorite dishes like smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes and granola bars.
But the tiny speckled seeds provide more than simple nutrients. Among their near-medicinal properties — especially thanks to polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein and fiber — according to researchers at Oregon State:
- Improve cardiovascular health and cholesterol
- Anticancer wealth
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antibacterial properties
- Antioxidant properties
Additional health benefits of chia seeds, thanks to the abundant fiber they contain, include:
- Improve intestinal health
- Weight loss and management
- Reduces the risk of developing diabetes
And there’s more. According to Harvard HealthChia seeds are also beneficial for:
- decrease blood pressure
- Protects against chronic disease
- Improve anxiety and depression
What is chia seed water?
Chia seeds’ high fiber content is why you can see so many people on social media creating their own gut-friendly cocktail: chia water.
The recipe is relatively simple—one to two tablespoons of chia seeds mixed into water. While some people like to add honey and lemon for added flavor, others just use water and chia seeds.
Health and wellness influencers and even some doctors have touted the benefits of chia water for gut health and digestion as well as aiding weight loss by keeping you full longer.
Dr. Tommy Martin, internist and pediatrician, explains on TikTok that chia seeds are “extremely rich in nutrients.” Just one ounce provides 10 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein, according to Cleveland Clinic. The combination of water and high-fiber chia seeds could potentially help you stay active, he says, but there’s no scientific research to prove the beneficial properties of chia seed water.
There are a few things you should know before you start drinking chia seed water.
According to research, the combination of drinking lots of water while consuming lots of fiber can lead to unpleasant side effects such as gas, bloating and constipation. Cleveland Clinic.
However, you don’t need to add chia seeds to your water to receive many health benefits. Since they’re easy to incorporate into meals and snacks, you can mix them into oatmeal or sprinkle them on top of smoothie bowls.
The great potential of chia seeds
Scientists at Oregon State University recently sequenced the chia seed genome, as detailed in an article article published last year in Frontiers in plant science. The research team is the first to delve into the genetics behind the plant’s nutritional properties and make the case for why chia seeds could be a solution to world hunger and disease. nutrition crisis.
Researchers looking to genetically optimize crops have primarily focused on grains such as rice, wheat, corn and millet; small seeds; legumes; oilseeds; and root crops. Next, the study authors say, they must turn to improving “minor” or “orphan” crops such as chia, cassava, yams, small grains and beans. During the research, scientists were able to identify genetic markers related to the nutritional properties of the seeds. Those wanting to create nutritionally enhanced chia seeds can use this list as a starting point for their research.
Sushma Naithani, an associate professor at the university, said: “We are at a time when long-term food and nutritional security requires diversifying the human diet by breeding and improving genetic advancement of nutritious crops, so-called ‘side crops’ like chia seeds.” Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, said in a research newsletter.
Researchers add more good news: Chia seeds’ ability to grow in difficult lands helps mitigate the threat posed by global climate change. They hope to bring chia farming to Oregon, where climate conditions are similar to those in South America, where chia seeds are primarily grown. Currently, researchers at the University of Kentucky are lead in charge for the development of chia seeds in this state.
“This research opens up the possibility for scientists to study chia seeds through the lens of improving human health, while continuing to increase our knowledge of all the nutritional benefits of chia seeds.” Botany and Plant Pathology, said in the press release.
