CHIA SEEDS (SALVIA HISPANICA L.) AND THEIR IMPACT ON CARDIOVASCULAR, METABOLIC AND INFLAMMATORY DISEASES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5518Keywords:
Chia Seeds, Salvia Hispanica, Cardiovascular Diseases, Glucose Metabolism, InflammationAbstract
Introduction: Chia seed is a part of the Salvia hispanica plant, which originates from Central and South America and is known for its high nutritional value. In recent years, chia seeds gained considerable attention due to their potential positive impact on human health, mainly associated with high concentrations of polyphenols and antioxidants, as well as dietary fiber, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. The promising properties of chia seeds could be useful in managing cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory diseases, which makes them a subject of many experiments and studies.
Purpose: The aim of this review is to evaluate the current knowledge on chia seeds’ impact on human health, focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic health as well as on their potential antioxidant properties.
Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was performed using electronic databases - PubMed and Google Scholar. Relevant articles from the past two decades were found, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, case reports, opinions and review articles.
Results: The executed research suggests that the most distinct clinical effect of chia seed supplementation is visible in its ability to reduce blood pressure and increase omega-3 fatty acids levels, which suggests its cardiovascular-protective possibilities. There is also clinical evidence of their favorable impact on postprandial glycemic levels and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, however, those findings are not consistently supported by all studies. The evidence of their influence on body weight and glycemic control is weak and rather inconclusive.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Natalia Marzec, Anna Roman, Stanisław Wardęcki, Weronika Praska, Joanna Zajączkowska, Natalia Domańska, Aleksandra Marzec, Natalia Krupa, Dominika Galińska, Małgorzata Cherek
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