Recent studies suggest that chia seeds may help protect the body from the harmful effects of ultra-processed foods while also reducing brain inflammation and controlling appetite. Experts have even described them as a natural alternative to appetite-suppressing medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
Researchers at the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil conducted experiments on mice to explore these effects. One group of mice was fed a diet high in fat and sugar for eight weeks, while another group received chia oil or chia flour to see how these could counteract the negative impacts of an unhealthy diet.
Findings
Chia oil was found to activate brain genes that produce the proteins POMC and CART, which help suppress appetite.
Chia flour appeared to directly interact with the brain’s hunger receptors, reducing feelings of hunger.
Both forms of chia improved the function of leptin, a brain hormone that regulates appetite but can be impaired by high-fat diets.
Chia seeds also helped decrease brain inflammation, which is typically elevated by unhealthy eating.
However, the study noted that the mice did not lose weight during the experiment due to their extremely high-calorie diets.
Nutritional Benefits:
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contain complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. Incorporating chia seeds may help lower the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. According to the study, adding chia oil or flour to the diet could be a useful strategy for managing metabolic disorders linked to poor nutrition.
