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The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Chia Seeds Have No Known Adverse Effects
There is no doubt that the seeds of the chia plant (Salvia hispanica), a rediscovered Aztec crop that has recently become a staple of some diet regimens, are highly nutritious. They contain various nutrients necessary for good health, including Omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Thus far, no adverse effects of eating chia seeds have been reported.
On the Other: Some Negatives May Exist
Given their high-fiber content, it's possible that eating large amounts of chia seeds may result in gastrointestinal discomfort. Furthermore, because they are suspected of lowering blood pressure, you should avoid them if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners or if you have prostate cancer or heart problems.
Bottom Line
In moderation, chia seeds are safe for human consumption, are highly nutritious and have no known adverse affects. However, there is no hard scientific evidence that they're any more beneficial than similar products like flax seed, which is equally nutritious but costs much less.
Source:
Chia: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, and Warnings
HealthBeat News: What's Old is New Again
More Information:
European Food Safety Authority: Opinion on the Safety of Chia Seeds
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