Antioxidants and prostate cancer

A study just published in the British Journal of Nutrition reported that higher intakes of antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress in men with prostate cancer. This comes on the heels of a growing body of evidence that oxidative stress plays a role in the development and progression of prostate cancer.

The researchers from several US institutions concluded that the study indicates more research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms as to how dietary antioxidants may affect prostate disease severity, progression and recurrence.

Given that chia is a good source of natural antioxidants, this would indicate that eating chia could have a positive effect in terms of controlling/reducing prostate cancer.

Have you had your chia today?®

Vitamin E (an antioxidant) intake should be increased when consuming PUFAs - not necessary with CHIA

A recent study reported in the British Journal of Nutrition stated that people need to increase their Vitamin E intake when eating PUFAs (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids) to prevent oxidation of these fatty acids in the body. Actually consuming high levels of PUFAs without consuming sufficient Vitamin E can lead to Vitamin E deficiency in the body.

This study comes on heels of recent recommendations of the need for people to increase their PUFA intake levels, while decreasing their saturated fatty acid intake.

Here is where chia comes into play.  It has natural antioxidants so increasing intake of Vitamin E is NOT needed. 

This is good news for two reasons:  Firstly ingesting other items when eating can be bothersome, and secondly ingesting too much Vitamin E can be dangerous as it is actually toxic at high levels.

So we say "Have you had your chia today?®

Increased fiber intake could contribute to lower blood pressure

A study of more than 2000 men and women published in the British Journal of Nutrition in July 2015 concluded that increased intakes of fiber, both soluble and insoluble but in particular insoluble fiber, may contribute to lower blood pressure.

Chia is a great source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, so we ask Have you had your chia today?®

Lactating women should restrict flaxseed intake.

Lactating women should restrict flaxseed intake: Researchers Say, as reported by Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn+ , 04-Sep-2015

Flaxseed intake during lactation should be limited as it may change maternal adrenal function, research in rats has suggested.

Link to her article: http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Lactating-women-should-restrict-flaxseed-intake-Researchers

This research was just reported in the British Journal of Nutrition. Link to abstract: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=9942682

What can we take away from this?

Flaxseed has been shown to have several issues, particularly in lactating and pregnant women, and young children as well.  This has not been the case for chia, so make the switch to chia, should you now be consuming flaxseed.

azCHIA says: Have you had your chia today?®

Pregnant women typically do not get enough omega3

A recent report from the University of Alberta in Canada says that only 27% of pregnant women get enough omega3, and then only 25% consume enough omega3 at 3 months postpartum.

This is a serious concern. Omega3 during pregnancy is important for eye and brain development in the fetus, and postpartum women need sufficient omega3 for their recovery.

So what can be done? Yes there are marine sources of omega3, but contaminants are a concern and consequently these should be consumed in limited amounts.

A plant based source of omega3, like chia, is the solution. Not only is contamination a non-issue, it is a sustainable supply of omeg3.


So azChia says:  Have you had your chia today? ®

#pregnancy #omega3 #health

Soy and Breast Cancer - be cautious when eating soy

Cancer Treatment Centers of America has made the following statements regarding soy and breast cancer:
The debate arises over a component in soy called isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens or plant estrogens. For years, researchers have speculated about the safety of plant estrogens in women at risk for, or with a history of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer.

A recent study revealed that soy protein supplements may affect genes in a way that is not good for women with breast cancer.

Interestingly, they say for men with prostate cancer, the isoflavones in soy may be beneficial,.


The Mayo Clinic says:
Soy should be used cautiously in people with hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer, or hormone-sensitive conditions such as endometriosis.
So bottom line, why take a risk. Stay away as much as possible and eat chia to get your fiber and protein.


azChia says: Have you had your chia today?®

#soy #breast cancer

Eating too much tuna can be a problem

In the June issue of consumer reports there is an article about the levels of mercury in tuna, given the fact that the FDA is now debating the limits people should consume. The article suggests limiting canned albacore tuna to no more than 4.5 oz per week, canned light tuna to 13.5 oz per week. It also notes that Ahi tuna (both yellowfin and bigeye) which are frequently used in sushi is high in mercury, and hence should be avoided, while other types of tuna should be limited based on the type. In particular, pregnant women should avoid tuna altogether. Another concern is orange roughy and marlin should be avoided for the most vulnerable groups.

So to get your omega3s and eliminate the worry about mercury contamination, eat chia.

AZChia says GOT CHIA?

#tuna #omega3 

Omega-3 fatty acids may help fight prostate cancer - new findings

A new study conducted by Washington State University which was published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics in February 2015 found that omega3 fatty acids provide a novel mechanism for the suppression of cancer cell proliferation and in essence inhibit the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. This finding challenges a 2013 study which claimed omega3s increase the risk of prostrate cancer. These results are very encouraging but the researchers caution that although promising, more research on dosage required is needed to confirm the efficacy of such a treatment. #prostate #cancer