Chia (Salvia hispanica) and Metabolic support: evidence and sources

Despite strong correlations linking whole-grain consumption to reductions in heart disease, the physiological mechanisms involved remain ambiguous. We assessed whether Salba (Salvia Hispanica L.) whole grain reduces postprandial glycemia in healthy subjects, as a possible explanation for its cardioprotective effects observed in individuals with diabetes. The study used acute, randomized, double-blind, controlled design in which 11 healthy individuals (6 males and 5 females; body mass index 22.3+/-2.8 kg/m(2)) received 0, 7, 15 or 24 g of Salba baked into white bread. Capillary samples and appetite ratings were collected over 2 h after consumption. A dose-response reduction in postprandial glycemia (P=0.002, r(2)=0.203) was observed with all three doses of Salba, significantly decreasing incremental areas under the curve (iAUCs) and time point-specific blood glucose (P<0.05). Appetite ratings were decreased at 60 min after high, 90 min after high and intermediate and at 120 min after all treatments (P<0.05). Decrease in postprandial glycemia provides a potential explanation for improvements in blood pressure, coagulation and inflammatory markers previously observed after 12-week Salba supplementation in type II diabetes.