Dr. Decipher: Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Cocktails?

By Dr. John Janousek, M.D. Monday, February 08, 2010

A couple of days ago after dinner our family watched as my wife took a large glass of water, poured in a tablespoon of mysterious black seeds, then stirred until a gel began to form. When the consistency was just right, she gulped it down as the kids yelled, “oh, gross, yuck!”

What was this concoction? Chia seeds.

My wife is a "naturotarian" (is that a real word - or should it be naturoterrorist?), always searching for the best natural foods. Over the years she has self-administered (and made me drink) wheat grass shots (looked and tasted like ground up turf), flax seed, kelp, herbalife, phytochemicals, acai berry, goldenseal, blackstrap molasses and noni juice, to name a few. On the other hand, I am a cynical doctor, trained in bench research. I need controlled scientific studies and explanation of chemical effects at the
cellular level, so she finds my questions annoying and irrelevant.

Ch Ch Ch Chia! Remember that old advertisement with the time lapse photos of small spindly sprouts resembling green hair growing on clay statues? Now there are all kinds of chia pets in addition to the old ram, puppy and bull: Homer Simpson, Shrek, Sponge Bob, even Obama. Who would think of eating this for health?

According to an article by Dr. Andrew Weil, chia is a seed from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, which grows in southern Mexico. It was consumed in ancient times by Aztec and Mayan peoples, and is mixed with lemon juice and sugar to make “chia fresca.” If the seeds sit in water a gel-like substance forms.

These seeds are actually rich in omega-3 fatty acids, anti-oxidants and fiber. They also contain calcium, iron, molybdenum and zinc. Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids important for proper memory, reasoning and brain function. Some studies have shown that consumption decreases formation of plaques in arteries,which lowers the risk of strokes and heart
attacks. Fish oil supplements, which are also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, may decrease blood pressure and triglycerides, and increase HDL (the good cholesterol).

A warning to those taking “blood thinners” such as Coumadin, Plavix and aspirin: chia  can cause an increased risk of bleeding. It may increase blood sugar in diabetics so ask your doctor prior to use.

I never did succumb to the infomercials and buy a chia pet (at Woolworth - are they still around?) but now I have good reasons to get the seeds. How about a Dr. Decipher chia pet – surely there would be more sprouts on that head than I have hair on my own!