Omega3 and Prenatal Depression - new correlation

A new study found that women with prenatal depression had lower omega3 levels in their blood.  This further substantiates that omega3 is an important food component that must be consumed during pregnancy. As chia is the highest plant source of omega3 its consumption during pregnancy should be considered essential.

Have you had your chia today?®

Omega3 deficiencies in teenagers can yield to anxious adults

A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reports that omega3 deficiencies in adolescent mice has led to behavioral problems in adulthood. The implications here are that the same could hold true in humans and hence consumption of omega3 fatty acids, such as those found in chia could be very important.

Have you had your chia today?®

Increasing omeag3/omega6 ratios can improve fetal health

A study just published in Clinical Nutrition indicated that increasing the omega3/omega6 ratio in the diet (either by cutting omega6 consumption, increasing omega3 consumption or doing both) from mid pregnancy onward can improve fetal health. This improvement was demonstrated by increased fetal growth including increased weight, length and head size.

Pregnant women: Have you had your chia today?®

New study shows ALA is important for brain function

A study just published in Nutritional Neuroscience, which was conducted at the University of Illinois using 100 people between the ages of 65 and 75, showed that ALA along with SDA and ETE were important in increasing fluid intelligence. This is the ability of the brain to cope with new novel situations via the process of inductive and deductive reasoning.

Hence this study shows that the shorter chain omega3 fatty acids are important to humans. Results of this study show that consumption of chia, which is the highest plant source of ALA (Alpha Linoleic fatty acid), can lead to improved brain function.

Have you had your chia today?®

Importance of Omega3 in pre and post natal depression

A new study confirms the importance of omega3 in helping to tackle pre and post natal depression was recently published in Biological Psychiatry. The study was a meta-analysis of 12 other studies and not only showed how important omega3 was, but also pointed to the fact that higher omega6/omega3 ratios were as big of a concern.  So the key here is to increase omega3 consumption (a great source being chia) while reducing omega6 consumption (soy etc). 

Have you had your chia today?®

Omega3 intakes of pregnant women in the US are low - cause for concern

A study that looked at food intakes of more than 7000 women of childbearing age showed their intake of omega3 fatty acids to be way below recommended levels.  Of the study groups, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations were found to be more susceptible to potential deficiencies. Additionally white participants had the lowest intakes compared to Hispanics and blacks.

Why is this a concern? Omega-3 fatty acids play critical roles during fetal growth and development, with increased intakes associated with improved maternal-fetal outcomes.

Have you had your chia today?®

Omega3 could decrease mortality rates in postmenopausal women

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology looked at omega3 scores in postmenopausal women over a 15 year period.  The authors found that women with the highest omega3 blood scores were 20 percent less likely to die from any cause, than those with the lowest omega3 levels.

So once again consuming chia with its high omega3 content can help to reduce mortality rates.

Have you had your chia today?®

Chia oil consumption increases DHA content of breast milk

A study conducted in 2015 showed that consumption of 16 mL of chia oil from the third trimester of pregnancy through the first six months of nursing increased the ALA content of breast milk while reducing the LA content.  Additionally, DHA content increased during the first three months of nursing. 

Given the fact that DHA is fundamental for brain and visual function in humans, this study would suggest that consuming chia, chia oil in particular, can lead to healthier babies.

Have you had your chia today?®

Chia can help with diabetes and weight loss

A recent study, reported in the Journal of Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, which utilized 60 people half of which were in the control group, showed that consuming 30 grams of chia a day for 6 months reduced C-reactive protein, waste circumference and weight. 

This study once again demonstrates that daily consumption of chia can have significant health benefits not only in those suffering from diabetes, but also those that are overweight.

Have you had your chia today?®

FDA guidelines for claiming omega3 content in foods - chia can be considered a high source of omega3 (ALA)

In January of 2016 the FDA issued new guidance rules for what claims can be made for the omega3 nutrient content of foods. 

Specifically claims for DHA and EPA are not allowed, with the FDA stating: "We are prohibiting the nutrient content claims for DHA and EPA set forth in the three notifications because they are not based on an authoritative statement that identifies a nutrient level to which the claims refer, as required by the FD&C Act."

However they did allow nutrient content claims for ALA (the type of omega3 found in chia) with HIGH being allowed for ≥ 320 mg of ALA per RACC (≥ 20% of 1.6 g/day) and GOOD SOURCE for ≥ 160 mg of ALA per RACC (≥ 10% of 1.6 g/day) where RACC stands for: "reference amount customarily consumed".

Thus one can easily say that according to FDA guidelines, chia has a HIGH content of omega3 per 15 gm serving, since it contains approximately 2900 gm of ALA which is almost 10 times the required amount.

Have you had your chia today?®

ALA omega3 (the type found in chia) can help prevent fatal heart attacks

A study just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has concluded that ALA (the type of omega3 found in chia) can reduce the risk of fatal heart attacks. This study also supports the fact that the omega3 found in fish (DHA and EPA) can also reduce the effect of fatal heart attacks. The authors stated that the ALA marker was associated with a 9% reduced risk of a fatal heart attack, while the EPA and DHA marker was associated with a 10% reduced risk.

Clearly this refutes earlier studies that had said consuming ALA was ineffective in regards to reducing coronary heart issues.

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

How important is fiber in our diets? - Chia Seed is a great source

A study just published in BMC Public Health Journal reported that if Americans would increase the fiber in their diets, health costs would decrease significantly.  The authors stated that "Accumulating evidence indicates that greater dietary fiber intakes reduce risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, weight gain, obesity and diverticular disease as well as functional constipation.  The authors estimate that at least a $2 billion savings in health care costs could be achieved among adults with only a 3 g/day increase in fiber was undertaken by only 50% of the population.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and contain on average 34% dietary fiber of which 4% is soluble.

Given that chia seeds have been classified as a food by the FDA this means one can consume as much chia seed as one would like.  The only caveat is that if you are on a low fiber diet, increase your consumption of chia seeds slowly since loose bowels could result with a rapid increase.