Chia Seeds & Cancer

I recently read a surprisingly upbeat posting on the American Brain Tumor Association’s Inspire blog. The tumor victim said that he had the best MRI in years, and is now able to lower his Avastin and stop taking another of his meds. The victim attributed this to a eating a lot of poppy and chia seeds. This seemed both wonderful and, at the same time, a bit incredulous. You can follow the discussion tree here: http://www.inspire.com/groups/american-brain-tumor-association/discussion/whats-working-for-me-chia-seeds-and-poppy-seeds/?ref=as&asat=116675958 (Full disclosure: you have to “join” in order to read the posting).

So I opened up my trusty browser and Googled “chia seeds.” I found out that many non-traditional medical folks believe chia seeds to be particularly effective in battling cancer.

For example, a Livestrong.com article says that “Chia's antioxidants play a crucial role in cancer prevention. Chia holds protease inhibitors that destroy cancer cells and repair DNA damage. Scheer mentions in his book about a survey, taken in 41 countries, showing lower cancer rates where chia intake was highest.” Here’s a link to the article:  http://www.livestrong.com/article/444471-top-ten-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/

A July 30^th article in RenegadeHealth.com by Kevin Gianni, says that “…chia seeds have become one of today’s superfoods, with benefits to the body and brain.” Gianni goes on to say that “Essential fatty acids are known to help maintain the funciton of brain cell membranes and neurotransmitters. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is used exclusively by the brain and nervous system. 

They also contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which has shown in studies to help relieve low-grade inflammation associated with clinical depression. Chia seeds are a powerhouse source of essential fatty acids—a natural brain food.” http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2012/07/30/7-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds

I have not been able to find anything about the benefits of chia seeds on the ABTA or National Brain Tumor Society websites. If you find some studies or other info, please send me a link.

John

PS – I’d start buying them at Whole Foods (wallet?) but they seem awfully expensive.

 

Image credit: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/photo_13174437_chia-word-made-from-chia-seeds-on-white-artist-canvas.html'>pixelsaway / 123RF Stock Photo</a>