01 Oct Cleveland Clinic studies the benefits of chia seeds
The medical experts at the Cleveland Clinic provide their insight into the benefits of chia seeds, and it’s all good.
The hospital’s review supports what many have been saying about chia seeds including that they good sources of fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, iron, antioxidants, and alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid.
According to the Cleveland Clinic report, chia seeds do the following:
- Decrease blood pressure and c-reactive protein (a sign of inflammation) in type 2 diabetics.
(More studies are needed to better determine the full scale of chia’s cardiovascular benefits.) - Lower total, LDL, and triglyceride cholesterol, and raise good HDL cholesterol.
- Help curbs appetite.
The downside of this superfood is that some people may have an allergy to the seeds, and that they could interact with the medication like warfarin/coumadin. Patients on blood pressure medication should take chia seeds cautiously. Patients on blood thinners should not take chia seeds.
Recommendation: Chia seeds are quite safe, and worth trying. They are also safe and effective for the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. However, you should tell your doctor and other health care providers that you are consuming chia. They will want to know because it may affect your medication.
