ISSN: 0970-938X (Print) | 0976-1683 (Electronic)
An International Journal of Medical Sciences
Beatrice Nyanchama Kiage Mokua
Jomokenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Scientific Tracks Abstracts : Biomed Res
DOI: 10.4066/biomedicalresearch-C7-019
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are mainly caused by atherosclerosis which occurs when artery walls become thickened due to accumulation of fatty deposits, smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissues collectively termed plaque. Plaque may promote thrombosis within the artery which in turn narrows the lumen of arteries obstructing blood flow leading to heart attack and stroke. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated triglycerides and excess calories are among of the risk factors that can promote atherosclerosis in the body. Modern diets are mostly low in omega-3 fatty acids and high in omega- 6 fatty acids and saturated fatty acids (SFA). Such imbalance is associated with increased risks of heart disease and support chronic inflammation. Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) is becoming among the popular foods of plant origin that contains the greatest amount of omega-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with potential physiological functions in human body. Additionally the seeds are rich in proteins, dietary fiber, minerals and phytochemicals such as myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid which exhibit cardio-protective, antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties. This review expounds the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the importance of chia seed in counteracting CVDs risk factors as evidenced by various in vivo and animal studies. Key words: Cardiovascular disease, chia seed, omega-3 fatty acids, risk factor and phytochemicals
Beatrice Nyanchama Kiage Mokua has completed her PhD at the age of 37 years from Christian Albrechts University (CAU), Kiel, Germany. She is a lecturer at Jomokenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology at the department of food science and technology. She has papers in reputed journals.
E-mail: beatrice.kiage@jkuat.ac.ke
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