Like so many foods, there’s considerable speculation on chia seeds and cancer prevention. Curiously, you’ll also find nearly as many quasi-scientific articles claiming chia seeds can cause cancer as well. So which is it? For many, the answer depends on perspective and interpretation. 

What’s the Cancer Link?

Health-conscious consumers love chia – and with good reason. These nutrient-dense seeds are popular additions to healthy diets for their bountiful amounts of essential nutrients, including:

  • Calcium
  • Manganese
  • Magnesium
  • Selenium
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Phosphorus

These mighty seeds are also high in fiber, which can help lower blood pressure. 

Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants, which remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, contribute to cell damage, and have been strongly associated with the formation of certain types of cancer. Many articles espousing the purported benefits of chia seeds for cancer patients or those in remission focus on the food’s relatively high levels of antioxidants. 

Additional Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds may have additional nutritional benefits beyond cancer prevention. Studies show regular chia intake may help lower blood pressure, reduce insulin resistance, improve blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. Despite numerous claims, chia seeds don’t help reduce body weight.

Can Chia Seeds Prevent Cancer?

Many of the cancer prevention claims surrounding chia seeds are focused on three nutrients, all of which are present in high levels in chia seeds. The studies show that Omega-3 fatty acid, flaxseed (another type of Omega-3) and iron for cancer patients. These nutrients mitigate the immediate symptoms and long-term effects of chemotherapy and radiation by reducing inflammation, inhibiting tumor growth, and promoting the production of hemoglobin.

While these nutrients support a healthy diet, there’s no conclusive evidence that they can prevent cancer completely.  

Related: The Latest Research on Multivitamins Is Mixed

Chia Seeds Cancer Risks

Most of the conflicting information about chia comes from a series of research papers on chia seeds and prostate cancer. The food contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. Some oncologists believe ALA may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Most studies on the topic support this theory but with an important caveat: there’s no evidence that ALA increases cancer risk when ingested from plants.

Can Chia Seeds Cause Cancer?

There’s little reason to believe that chia seeds cause cancer. The data shows that chia seeds are a healthy part of a balanced diet, though they may not live up to many of the common weight-loss claims several sources cite. There’s considerable evidence to support its impact on slowing breast cancer tumor growth in cancer patients, but more research is needed. 

Go Beyond the Headlines with Less Cancer

Chia seeds are just one of hundreds of foods with conflicting cancer claims. Educating consumers and healthcare professionals is a core component of the Less Cancer mission, which is why we provide cancer prevention programming and resources that save lives. Please support our work and help us make cancer prevention a priority.