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The Side Effects of Chia














The Side Effects of Chia















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May 20, 2011 | By A.M. Tacon




Chia, also known as Salvia hispanica, is a flowering plant native to Central and South America. Chia seeds were important to ancient Aztec and Mayan diets and medicine, as well as Aztec currency. Chia seeds are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. They can be eaten raw, ground and baked into foods. For example, 33 to 41 g per day may be ground and incorporated into bread, which may help prevent cardiovascular disease, states Wellness.com. However, as with any substance, side effects may occur. Consult your physician prior to using chia seeds.

Prostate Cancer Risk

Chia contains a high amount of alpha-linolenic acid, and some empirical investigations indicate that large amounts of alpha-linolenic acid in the diet may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Therefore, if you have prostate cancer or are at high risk -- such as having a family history of this disease -- avoid eating large amounts of products that contain alpha-linolenic acid, such as chia. These research findings, however, have not been replicated in other studies; thus, further investigations are necessary to support these preliminary findings.


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Anti-coagulant Effects

Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with many health benefits. Yet, despite such marketed benefits, omega-3 fatty acids, as those found in chia seeds, are natural blood thinners. Their anti-coagulant properties work by decreasing the "stickiness" or aggregation of platelets that are needed for clotting. Thus, if you are taking blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin or warfarin -- also known under the brand name of Coumadin -- you should first speak to your physician before taking chia supplements. Additionally, if you are scheduled for an upcoming surgery or other medical procedure where blood loss may occur, speak with your physician before considering chia as a supplement. If you already are using chia supplements prior to an upcoming procedure, stop consuming chia and notify your doctor about your use of chia.

Hypotension

Chia seeds can affect your blood pressure. Specifically, chia is associated with hypotension or low blood pressure, according to a 2007 study by V. Vuksan and colleagues as reported in the "Natural Standard Professional Monograph" review. Discuss chia with your doctor if you have blood pressure problems or heart disease.

Gastrointestinal Effects

Chia seeds contain fiber, so gastrointestinal side effects may occur after eating chia products. If you experience such side effects, reduce the amount of chia you consume daily.






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References
•Wellness.com: Chia (Salvia Hispanica)
•University of Maryland Medical Center; Alpha-linolenic Acid; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 2009
•MedlinePlus; Fish Oil; February 2011
•"Natural Standard Professional Monograph": Chia (Salvia Hispanica)
•"Diabetes Care"; Supplementation With Novel Grain Salba; V. Vuksan, et al.; 2007

Article reviewed by Leah Ann Crussell Last updated on: May 20, 2011















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Member Comments







Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/446829-the-side-effects-of-chia/#ixzz2Skt3ho3c

Thanks for reminding me. I've been meaning to buy some.

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My husband's name is Chia. Haha. Anyways, sounds interesting. Will look into it.

Just adding my "2 cents worth" on the topic of chia seeds. I have been using them for a couple of years now and during that time have been able to get off my medication for Ulcerative Colitis...(with my Doctor's blessing of course!) Also, my friend that told me about them has been able to get off her blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds and cut her diabetes meds down by half, again, with her Doctor's blessing. I did stop taking them for a few weeks but within that time my colitis flared up so went right back on them again. I like mine in my cereal, but add them to my morning smoothie, baked goods and yes, I did read they could be used as a substitute for eggs in baking but haven't tried that yet.
I noticed that one person on here was taking them dry followed by lots of water....not sure I would recommend that method as they do have a habit of "clumping" and you wouldn't want that to happen in your digestive tract. They are so easy to add to other foods and in lots of cases are pretty much unnoticed. Added to stews, soups and baking you don't even know they are there.

There is lots of information on the web regarding chia seeds but be careful, some of the sites only want to sell them to you.

Thanks to your "toilet clogging" reference, I went out and bought some today.

I mixed a tablespoon in about 8 oz of water and let them gel. Then I mixed in a slender stick for some flavor. I thought I would be grossed out by the gel, but I actually dug it. I also like the crunchy seeds too. All in all a good thing to try. I don't know how this will come out...but if you insist, I'll keep you posted.:blushing:

BTW, I'm shocked at the price on Amazon. I found some at my local store (organic, too mind you) for 6.59/lb. Now I KNOW I got a good deal.

I was using the regular chia seeds but didn't like them gelling in my morning juice. So now I use Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia Seed Powder.

Nice mixed with some milk/alternative to milk or water with cacao powder, stevia and maybe a little cinnamon and left for a while while the seeds swell up and make a pudding. Kept in fridge is safest of course.

This sounds good - I'm going to have to see if I can find chia seeds around here!

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