Abstract
AbstractPurposeThere has been a recent increase in interest in chia seeds as a growing number of people try to observe a healthy lifestyle, particularly healthy eating habits. Given the increasing popularity of chia seeds in Hungary as well, we performed a study to examine what information on chia seeds is available on Hungarian websites.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a systematic, qualitative content analysis to examine the first 200 Hungarian results of a Google search on “chia seeds”.ResultsWe identified five main topics: 1. general information, 2. effects/side-effects, 3. modes of preparation, 4. target audience, and 5. tone of the article. Sometimes information (especially on the effects) was presented in a sensationalist manner, and some claims were not scientifically well-founded, but rather based on subjective opinion.ConclusionsIn the online media, chia seed consumption was mainly recommended for those who are trying to lose weight and for diabetics, even though there is currently no proof that it can improve the condition of such people. Further studies are needed to demonstrate and confirm claims related to the beneficial effects of the chia seed. Until this has been done, readers of Google-search results – especially those who have a health condition – should be cautious about certain statements published on non-scientific websites.
Highlights
In recent years, a growing number of people try to observe a healthy lifestyle, healthy eating habits
Further studies are needed to demonstrate and confirm claims related to the beneficial effects of the chia seed
The following five main topics were identified in the qualitative content analysis: 1. general information, 2. effects/ side-effects, 3. modes of preparation, 4. target audience, and 5. tone of the article
Summary
A growing number of people try to observe a healthy lifestyle, healthy eating habits. Chia seeds offer a promising opportunity in the context of a healthier diet [1, 2]. – referred to as Aztec sage or Spanish sage) originates from Middle and South America and belongs to the Lamiacea family. The leaves of the chia plant grow opposite of each other, and the tiny flowers (3–4 mm) can bloom in numerous shades of colour from white to purple. Chia seeds are oval and about 1–2 mm in size, and may be white, black, or grey, or have mottled tones [1, 3]
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