Chia seeds raise blood ALA and EPA levels for postmenopausal women

Posted by admin

August 2, 2012

Consumption of chia seeds, rich in ALA, may increase blood levels of the long chain omega-3 EPA by 30% for postmenopausal women, says a new study from the Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina.

Twenty-five grams per day of milled chia seed for seven weeks were associated with 138% increases in levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and 30% increases in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels, according to data presented in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition.

However, there was significant variation between the women in the study. The study does support previous findings about the conversion of ALA to EPA, said the researchers.

Nutrition

If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.