Updated Friday, August 06, 2010 12:13 PM
By Emily Ford eford@salisburypost.com
KANNAPOLIS — Ch-ch-ch-chia! The same seeds that sprout animal fur and cartoon character hair on kitschy Chia Pets, the terra cotta figurines popular as Christmas gifts, could have health benefits for humans.
Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab at the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis will launch a study on the beneficial effects of chia seeds in overweight, older women. Chia seed is the richest plant source of omega-3 fats. Participants will eat chia seeds for 10 weeks beginning Aug. 30. They must give blood samples and will earn $300. Volunteers will learn about their blood cholesterol, blood pressure, blood vessel health, body composition, inflammation and nutrient intake.
Scientists need 100 postmenopausal women between ages 50 and 75. They must be at least 25 pounds overweight and can’t take medications or dietary supplements during the study that influence inflammation. Women in the study can’t smoke or recently have had heart disease, cancer (other than skin), stroke, arthritis or diabetes.
Sign up for the study or learn more by e-mailing ASU-NCRC@appstate.edu. Read more about the chia seed study in Sunday’s Post.
Contact Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.
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