The Role of Chia Seeds Oil in Human Health: A Critical Review

Abstract

Chia, Salvia hispanica L., is emerging as an important functional food ingredient because of its rich contents of dietary fiber, omega‐3 fatty acids and an indicative source of bioactive peptides owing to its high concentration of proteins and essential amino acids. The use of food with nutraceutical and functional properties for management of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems is now gaining momentum among the public. Current research findings reveal high nutritive value for chia seeds and their oils validating their massive health-promoting properties. Currently chia is consumed as seeds and oil with similar effects. The oil is rich in in polyunsaturated fatty acid, α-linoleic acid, the biological precursor to docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. It has been scientifically established that chia is an immune improver and has therapeutic effects on control of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-blood clotting, laxative, antidepressant, antianxiety, analgesic and vision. This article provides a review of the role of chia seeds oil in human health. The Phytochemical characteristics of chia oil is presented and the effect of their consumption on human health is discussed.