Chia Seeds

Nutritional Facts

Chia seeds are naturally gluten free, high in dietary fibre, low GI, high in polyphenols, essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Here’s a snapshot of the some of the composition of chia seeds:

Polyphenols

Gallic acid

Caffeic acid

Quercetin

Kaempferol

Epicatechin

Genistin

Vitamins & Minerals 

Magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamin E, vitamin B1, B2, B3

Chia seeds also have 16 essential and non-essential amino acids. 

Essential Fatty Acids

Chia seeds have a combination of various saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. 

Notably, chia seeds are very high in alpha-linolenic acid, omega 3 and 6. 

Why we should have more omega 3 and 6

The benefits of omega 3 fatty acids on our health are countless. Generally speaking, omega 3 fats have the following qualities:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Cardioprotective
• Neuroprotective
• Improves cholesterol ratios
• Antidiabetic
• Anticancer
• Improves immune function

Omega 6 fats have these qualities:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-hypertensive
• Anti-thrombotic
• Anticancer
• Tissue and muscle recovery 

Fun fact: Chia seeds have more omega 3 than flax seeds (about 59% vs. 42% respectively). In fact, chia seeds surpass the total healthy fat content of flax, wheat germ, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Including them in your diet alongside an option like LSA provides a complementary nutrient suite to be reckoned with.

What does modern research have to say about chia seeds?

Several studies suggest that chia seeds may benefit metabolic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as supporting brain and nervous system function. Below is a closer look at the research. 

Antidiabetic Properties of Chia Seeds

A 2021 randomised trial assessed the impacts of consuming chia seeds and metabolic health outcomes. A group of 42 adults with type 2 diabetes were randomised into two groups. The test group consumed 40g/day of chia seeds for 12 weeks. The chia seed group had significantly lower systolic blood pressure at the end of the study, proving a useful addition to diabetic patients in supporting heart health.

Another study compared flax and chia seeds and their effects on glycemic control and satiety. In this randomised control, both chia and flax reduced blood glucose within a 2 hour postprandial period. Importantly, chia seeds improved satiety, which meant participants were less likely to continue eating due to feeling full. This may be due to the fibre and fat content of chia above and beyond what flax provides, according to the researchers. Another relevant feature of chia is that it converts glucose into a ‘slow-release carbohydrate and affects satiety greater than flax’. 

From the journal Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cardiovascular Diseases, another study showed that chia seeds successfully managed diabetes symptoms and appetite. Two groups of overweight and obese diabetic participants (77 in total) were divided and randomised to consume either 30g chia seeds or 36g oat bran per day. Both groups complied with a 6-month calorie restricted diet with the above supplemented foods. At 6-months, participants who consumed chia seeds lost more weight and had reduced waist circumference compared to the control (oat bran) supplemented group. Inflammatory markers such as c-reactive protein were reduced in the chia group compared to control. The study also demonstrated improved body composition, glycemic control and improved leptin function, which is involved in satiety. Chia seeds are a beneficial inclusion for weight management and diabetes control. 

Neuroprotective Effects of Chia Seeds

Microglial cells are immune cells found in the brain. They have an important role in protecting the brain against inflammation and damage from toxins. Chia seeds appear to have a modulatory effect on microglial cells, improving their function. A 2020 in vitro study demonstrated that peptide fractions from chia seeds had a neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effect on HMC3 microglial cells. The results showed a vast reduction in reactive oxygen species production, and mitigation of TNF-alpha, thereby protecting brain cells. These results echo previous studies that support chia seeds as being systemically anti-inflammatory and are considered a healthy functional food. 

Chia Seed Allergy 

One study has identified the potential for chia seed cross-reactivity with sesame or hazelnuts. This means those who already have an existing hazelnut or sesame seed allergy may also be sensitive to chia seeds. 

Cross-reactivity occurs when the immune system identifies the proteins in chia seeds as similar to the other allergens. Both IgG and IgE immune responses were identified in lab results of this study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The authors concluded that due to the presence of IgG binding proteins and structural similarities in vitro between chia and sesame seeds, patients with pre-existing allergies should be aware of this cross-reactivity potential. 

How to use chia seeds

There’s a few easy ways to enjoy chia seeds as part of a healthy diet. Here’s some of my favourites:

• Sprinkle them with nuts on greek yoghurt
• Soak them overnight in almond milk
• Crush them in a blender to make a gluten free bread crumb alternative
• Use as an egg replacer - mix them with a tablespoon of water
• Ideal as a first food for your baby

A small word of caution

If you’re going to eat chia seeds, you need to drink water. 

In natural medicine we know chia seeds have the ability to give your bowels a ‘sweep’. Meaning they are one of few foods that contain both soluble and insoluble fibre, benefiting you, your digestive system and your microbiome. They help a solid stool to form in the intestine and because of their gel-like quality, are gentle enough for babies and the elderly. They are usually well-tolerated in those with sensitive tummies as well. 

However, because they absorb a lot of water, it’s possible you may experience constipation if you have too much in one sitting. 

Case in point: my young daughter LOVES chia pudding. Left to her devices while Mum was distracted one day, she devoured the equivalent of 1 cup of soaked chia seeds. In most cases, this is too much for an adult to consume in one go. You really only need around ¼ cup per serve. This was a decent dose of fibre for her, so you can imagine what happened the day she enjoyed her favourite snack - chia, blueberries and yoghurt. Luckily I knew what had happened and encouraged her to have some more water and within a day, the problem was resolved!