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Medicinal Healing Properties of Chia Seed

Aug 18, 2011 | By Don Amerman

Chia is an edible seed from the desert plant known scientifically as Salvia hispanica, native to Mexico and the Southwest. Ironically, chia seeds, highly prized by the ancient Aztecs, may be best known to Americans as the seeds that sprout greenery from the terra cotta Chia Pets hawked on TV. However, research is confirming that the Aztecs were right about the medicinal properties of chia seeds. Check with your doctor before using chia or any other herbal remedy.

Characteristics

At the core of chia seeds' medicinal properties are their high levels of heart-healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and their unique ability to absorb roughly seven times their weight in water, according to James F. Scheer, author of "The Magic of Chia." Chia is particularly rich in alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA, which research indicates is supportive of cardiovascular health.

Brent Agin, M.D., author of "Superfoods for Dummies," writes that chia seeds have a nutty flavor that goes well with a wide array of other foods. Because of their ability to absorb high levels of water, the seeds form a gel in the stomach that slows down carbohydrate absorption to keep you feeling fuller longer. This gel also helps to soothe heartburn and has a calmative effect on the gastrointestinal system, according to Agin.

Boosts Good Cholesterol

University of Arizona researchers conducted an animal study to evaluate the effects of chia seed, the plant world's richest known source of ALA, on blood cholesterol levels. In an article in the November 2005 issue of "Nutrition Research," they reported that laboratory rats were divided into similar size groups and fed diets of either corn oil, chia seed or chia oil. At the end of the study period, researchers tested the animals for total cholesterol; high-density lipoprotein, the so-called good cholesterol; and low-density lipoprotein, the bad cholesterol. Rats who received chia derivatives showed significantly higher levels of good cholesterol than those in the control group, which got corn oil. Animals that were fed chia seed had markedly lower levels of total cholesterol, researchers said. They concluded that chia seed offered an excellent alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids for vegetarians and people allergic to fish and fish products.

Eases IBS Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, affects between 10 and 15 percent of all Americans, according to estimates from the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. For some IBS patients, notably those whose primary manifestation of the disorder is constipation, increased dietary fiber can help relieve symptoms. Nutritional consultant Laura J. Knoff, author of "The Whole-Food Guide to Overcoming Irritable Bowel Syndrome," points out that chia seed is an excellent source of soluble fiber, which acts as a demulcent and an aid to healing for many IBS patients.

Relieves Itchy Skin

A team of Korean researchers undertook a small-scale study to assess the ability of topical chia seed oil applications to relieve the discomfort of itchy skin conditions, such as eczema, xerotic pruritus and the pruritus experienced in end-stage renal disease, or ESRD, and diabetes. The researchers tested the oil on five patients with ESRD or diabetes and five healthy subjects with xerotic pruritus symptoms. In a report on their findings in the May 2010 issue of "Annals of Dermatology," researchers concluded that chia seed oil is effective in pruritus and xerosis treatment and also beneficial for skin moisturization.

References

Article reviewed by Geoffrey Darling Last updated on: Aug 18, 2011

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