NASCIMENTO, Sabrina Sampaio do.
Resumo:
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.
