HEALTHY LIVING
Omega-3 Rich Chia Seeds
May Be Ideal Carb Loaders For
Athletes, According To New Study
Research On The Benefits of Fibres and
Carbohydrates, Nutritional Lipids and Oils,
For Energy & Endurance
Athletes looking for a carbohydrate load prior to exercise
may consider an Omega-3 Chia supplement, suggests
new research from the University of Alabama.
A
beverage containing 50 percent omega-3 rich Chia seeds
and 50 percent Gatorade, the "traditional carbohydrate-
loading treatment", produced the same athletic performance
as 100 percent Gatorade, according to findings published in
the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research.
"Omega-3 Chia loading appears a viable option for
enhancing performance for endurance events lasting more
than 90 minutes and allows athletes to decrease their dietary
intake of sugar while increasing their intake of omega-3 fatty
acids but offered no performance advantages," report
researchers at the Human Performance Laboratory,
Department of Kinesiology, of University of Alabama.
Chia is the edible seed of the desert plant called Salvia
Hispanica, a member of the mint family, which grows in Latin
American countries including Mexico, Argentina and Peru.
The seeds are said to be a significant source of omega-3 and
omega-6 fatty acids. They are also rich in fiber (over 5 percent
soluble fiber), protein (over 20 percent), amino acids, and a
range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals (including calcium,
B vitamins, zinc, boron, potassium, copper and phosphorus).
They are also said to be a stable source of beneficial
antioxidants.
The new study suggests that Chia may be an option for
sports nutrition formulators, given its apparent equivalence
to Gatorade for carbohydrate loading in performance athletes.
The purpose of Carbohydrate loading is practiced by athletes
prior to competition to increase their stores of glycogen in the
muscles.
Study details
The Alabama-based scientists recruited six highly trained
men, and assigned them to carb-load with either Gatorade
(100 percent of calories) or a mix of Gatorade (50 percent
of calories) plus omega-3 chia seeds (50 percent of calories,
Omega-3 Chia seeds).
Following carb loading with one of the beverages, the men
ran for one hour run at about 65 percent of their maximum
performance level (V̇O2 max), and followed by a 10 km
time trial. Two weeks after the first test, the subjects were
crossed over to the other carb loading test.
Results showed that there were no significant differences
between either groups, with mean 10K times of 37 minutes
49 seconds in the chia group, and 37 minutes 43 seconds
in the Gatorade-only group.
The results led the researchers to conclude that
supplementing with Omega-3 Chia may be an option for
athletes who wish to carb load while also reducing their
sugar intake, and boosting their Omega-3 intake.
Source:
Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research
January 2011, Volume 25, Issue 1, Pages 61-65
"Omega 3 Chia Seed Loading as a Means of
Carbohydrate Loading"
Editor's Note: This article is not
intended to provide medical advice,
diagnosis or treatment.
Regarded as a natural essential fatty acid (EFA)
Omega 3 source, flaxseed oil is considered the best
choice for most people. It is a nutritive food supplement
that can be included in the diet without side effects.
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