Chia seed is a high-carbohydrate food. However, as far as carbohydrate sources go, it’s relatively good for diabetics, because it contains high amounts of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fats. Salba is a white-colored variety of chia seeds.40 Salba contains around 20% more nutrients than chia seeds.
In type 2 diabetics, including around 37 grams or 1.3 ounces (uncooked weight) of ground salba seeds per day reduced blood pressure and inflammation compared to wheat bran. HbA1c was also reduced in the salba group only.40
Studies in diabetes-free individuals showed that ground salba seeds baked into white bread reduced its glycemic index.41
Finally, a weight loss diet incorporating chia seeds (plus oats, nopal, and soy protein) led to improved blood sugar control, lower inflammation and blood fats, compared to a diet without those foods.42
Chia and salba, therefore, appear to be relatively good carbohydrate foods, if you want to eat a carbohydrate rich diet.
- Vuksan V, Whitham D, Sievenpiper JL, et al. Supplementation of conventional therapy with the novel grain Salba (Salvia hispanica L.) improves major and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: results of a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care. Nov 2007;30(11):2804-2810.
- Vuksan V, Jenkins AL, Dias AG, et al. Reduction in postprandial glucose excursion and prolongation of satiety: possible explanation of the long-term effects of whole grain Salba (Salvia Hispanica L.). Eur J Clin Nutr. Apr;64(4):436-438.
- Guevara-Cruz M, Tovar AR, Aguilar-Salinas CA, et al. A dietary pattern including nopal, chia seed, soy protein, and oat reduces serum triglycerides and glucose intolerance in patients with metabolic syndrome. J Nutr. Jan;142(1):64-69.