Scientists at Oregon State University have sequenced the genome of chia seeds, providing a blueprint for future research that will harness the plant’s nutritional benefits for human health.

Chia seeds have received widespread attention in recent years due to their nutritional power. They are rich in fiber, good fats and protein. However, their cultivation has not received as much attention from scientists as rice, wheat and corn.

The researchers identified seed genes associated with improving nutrition and traits that could be used for all treatments from cancer to high blood pressure.

Previous research has found that polyunsaturated fatty acids found in chia improve cardiovascular health and cholesterol and have anti-cancer properties, that their high fiber content helps stabilize blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes type 2 and helps people with diseases related to it gastrointestinal system.

Finally, that the protein they contain has aantioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

In recent years, global demand for medicinally rich crops such as chia, millet and sweet potato has increased. In addition to their nutritional value, they are important because they can often be grown on land unsuitable for many traditional grain crops, and this is an important advantage in mitigating climate change.

The results of the research are published in the journal “Frontiers in Plant Science”.