[Solarismach5]

Just read about this potentially helpful seed called salba. I think I might try some although the study was on type 2 and i'm type 1 I still think it will have some health benefits:

recent study in Diabetes Care shows some remarkable things about the ChiarRiffic friend from years ago. The study found that the seed used in Chia Pets, (called Chia which comes from the plant Salvia Hispanica) is basically a “Super Grain,” with multiple potential health benefits.

The study showed that the seed could potentially help regulate blood pressure and help with other risk factors for heart disease. More study is needed, but the grain also exhibits appetite suppressing qualities, which could potentially benefit the growing overweight population. The study was performed on 20 healthy diabetic patients who took in 2 to 4 tablespoons of Salba daily for 12 weeks. The results of the study were astounding. Findings included lowered glucose levels, blood was thinner and less prone to clotting (which decreases risk of stroke and heart attacks), a decrease in internal inflammation, and reduced blood pressure by an average of six points . Dr. Amir Hanna, a diabetes specialist who reviewed the study, noted that, “That’s a very important reduction in blood pressure. Actually, some pills don’t lower blood pressure that much.”

The research team calculates that 3.5oz of Salba contain:

· the same amount of omega-3’s as 28 ounces of salmon

· as much calcium as 3 cups of milk

· as much iron as five cups of raw spinach

As you can see, the contents of this miracle seed are very interesting. The most important part of this seed is the fact that its benefits are natural; instead of taking multiple pills, it might be possible to include this in your weekly diet and see the same effects as popping a few prescriptions. Although these tests were focused on diabetics, it seems likely that the overall benefits might be shared by everyone.

* If you are interested in learning more about the seed, there is a plethora of excellent sources online. *




LifeScan United Kingdom -- Diabetes News -- Aztec-derived grain may cut heart risks from diabetes

[shockme]

i didn't click on the link-but i see-chia seed? is that where chia pets come from? trish

[slipperyelm]

Well, it isn't really a grain---but that's not important.

EAT MORE PLANTS. That is my basic advice to 'most anybody. In plants there are all kinds of things good for us. Eat plants and you will get those things.

I think I have eaten chia candy before! It was just like another confection I have had made with sesame seeds. It is sort of like peanut brittle, but with sesame seeds or -I think- toasted chia seeds. So I have had this very similar confection from Mexico, India, and China! My friend from Mexico gave me the chia candy, my friend from China gave me the black sesame candy (but bought it here in USA), and I bought the golden sesame candy at an import grocery.

It is heartening how much promise there is in the plant world. I just hope we don't wipe out the very plants we need the most.

[slipperyelm]

Oh, and I will not be calling chia "Salba". "Salba" appears to be one company's brand name for chia seeds. The plant already has a name and I will call it that, not propagate some brand name. I don't call pineapples "Delmonte," after all.

[xMenace]

A change of 6.3 mm Hg on average over 20 test subjects is hardly conclusive. I change that much breathing.