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Does Chia Seeds Increase The Risk Of Prostate Cancer?
My husband and I just began taking a TBS of chia seeds mixed in water before going to bed at night after a friend said it is great for digestion/regularity. Then my husband found something on-line about chia increasing the risk of prostate cancer. Is this true? His dad died of prostate cancer.
Wed, 15 Oct 2014
Hi,
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Chia seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids & yield 25–30% extractable oil, including α-linolenic acid (ALA).Alpha-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 long-chain fatty acid are considered good for the heart.
The oil of chia seeds rich in alpha-linolenic acid, may be problematic if you're at risk of prostate cancer. A study published in the “Journal of Nutrition” in April 2004 explains that high dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid could increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. The same is true for blood levels high in this essential fatty acid. It appears that alpha-linolenic acid plays a role in carcinogenesis.
Epidemiologic studies show that the risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer increases by a factor of two if one first-degree relative (in this case your husband's father) is affected and by four if two or more are affected.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D.
Mumbai
Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Chia seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids & yield 25–30% extractable oil, including α-linolenic acid (ALA).Alpha-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 long-chain fatty acid are considered good for the heart.
The oil of chia seeds rich in alpha-linolenic acid, may be problematic if you're at risk of prostate cancer. A study published in the “Journal of Nutrition” in April 2004 explains that high dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid could increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. The same is true for blood levels high in this essential fatty acid. It appears that alpha-linolenic acid plays a role in carcinogenesis.
Epidemiologic studies show that the risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer increases by a factor of two if one first-degree relative (in this case your husband's father) is affected and by four if two or more are affected.
Regards
Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D.
Mumbai
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