Semente de chia (Salvia hispanica L.) como um agente na prevenção, tratamento e controle de algumas doenças crônicas: uma revisão.

Abstract

The seed Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), originating in Mexico, falls within the group of cereals and is considered a functional food. It’s physical and chemical composition and nutritional properties to turn into a significant source of fiber, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, essential amino acids, antioxidants and contains no gluten. Moreover, it is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially omega-3 and 6, which can significantly reduce LDL and TG levels. As one of the richest sources of dietary fiber, Chia is able to modify sensations of hunger, reducing obesity index, as well as the high amount of proteins and also of calcium, acting synergistically and additively promoting weight reduction and improving quality of life. The study aims to gather information that relate to Chia seed composition (Salvia hispanica L.) with the various benefits provided by such functional food in some diseases, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This review study addressed content related to the use of Chia and its health benefits in relation to their ability to assist in the prevention, treatment and control of chronic diseases, through systematic searches using Medline, Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo, bibliographic collection of the Federal University of Campina Grande and materials of national and international committees of health, of the articles published in the last 20 years. Found 60 items, among them 8 theses and 2 review article, of which 46 were included in this study, excluding only those who had no relevant aspects of the theme. Therefore, when adding Chia seeds to the diet, it is possible to notice an improvement in parameters such as blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, glycemic index (GI), reducing the feeling of satiety, and delayed gastric emptying, which are direct indicators of these diseases and therefore the quality of life. Thus, the Chia seed is only an aid, and is also necessary healthy lifestyle habits.