Chia seeds are small and round, and come in colors such as black, brown, and white. They are members of the Lamiaceae family and are related to herbs such as rosemary and scarlet sage. In addition to having significant nutritional benefits, researchers say it could be part of the solution to climate change and global malnutrition. Getty Images
Chia seeds have long been known to be a “superfood,” but new research has revealed more reasons to support that claim.
Scientists at Oregon State University recently sequenced the chia genome. Paper published on Wednesday in Frontiers of plant science. It wasn't the first time the team had done so. But this was the first time that researchers delved into the genetics behind chia seeds' nutritional properties and argued why chia seeds could be part of the solution to the world's hunger and nutrition crisis, in addition to climate change.
What are the health benefits of chia seeds?
Chia seeds are small and round, and come in colors such as black, brown, and white. They are members of the Lamiaceae family and are related to herbs such as rosemary and scarlet sage.
Like their genetic relatives, chia seeds are known for providing a wealth of nutritional benefits. It is rich in fiber and contains healthy fats and protein. Plus, its mild flavor makes it easy to add to many popular dishes, including smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, and granola bars.
But the tiny speckled seeds provide more than just nutritional enrichment. According to researchers at Oregon State University, it has near-medicinal properties, especially due to its polyunsaturated fatty acids, protein, and fiber.
- Improves heart health and cholesterol
- anti-cancer properties
- anti-inflammatory properties
- Antibacterial properties
- antioxidant effect
There's more. Additional health benefits Thanks to the dietary fiber found in chia seeds, chia seeds contain:
- Improved gut health
- weight loss
- Reduced risk of developing diabetes
Cheer's endless possibilities
So far, researchers looking at genetic optimization of crops have mainly focused on cereals such as rice, wheat, corn, and millet. small grains. Legumes. oilseeds; and tuber crops. Systematic breeding has alleviated global hunger and saved millions of lives, but “hidden problems of hunger and malnutrition remain,” the authors write.
They argue that that means researchers must next turn to improving “minor” or “orphan” crops such as chia, cassava, yams, small grains and pulses. During the research, scientists were able to identify genetic markers associated with the nutritional properties of grains. Those who want to make nutritionally improved chia seeds can use this list as a starting point for their research.
Sushma Naithani, an associate professor at the university, said, “Long-term food and nutritional security requires breeding and genetic improvement of highly nutritious so-called 'minor crops' such as chia to improve human diets. “We're at a point where we need to diversify.” The Department of Botany and Plant Pathology said: Research news release.
Even better news: Chia's ability to grow in marginal zones could help reduce threats posed by global climate change, the researchers write. They hope to bring chia farming to Oregon, which has similar climate conditions to South America, where chia is primarily grown. Researchers at the University of Kentucky have already take the lead and charge For the development of cheer in the state.
“This study opens up the possibility for scientists to study chia seeds from the perspective of improving human health, while continuing to advance our knowledge of chia's full range of nutritional benefits,” said Pankaj, professor of medicine at Oregon State University.・Mr. Jaiwal says. Botany and Plant Pathology, stated in the release.
