The Effects of Salvia Hispanica-Enriched Foods on Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses and Subjective Satiety

There are many factors that are involved in the ability of foods to suppress appetite, for instance the fiber, fat and protein contents of the food. The novel whole grain Salvia hispanica may significantly lower appetite compared to refined carbohydrates and other whole grains because of its composition. First, Salvia hispanica's high fiber content may help lower postprandial glycemia. Whole grains are much higher in fiber than refined carbohydrates. High fiber foods are thought to be more satiating because they have lower energy densities and delay gastric emptying, causing glucose to be released more slowly into the circulation. This, in turn, is hypothesized to increase satiety by preventing a sudden drop in blood glucose levels, which would normally trigger hunger . Another mechanism by which fiber may promote satiety, independent of glycemic responses, is through the secretion of gut hormones that signal fullness . Furthermore, Salvia hispanica may be more satiating than other whole grains due to its higher fat and protein contents. Protein and fat also prolong satiety due to mechanisms such as delayed gastric emptying and secretion of gut hormones .

Results from preliminary studies confirm the satiating effects of Salvia hispanica, as they demonstrate that this grain induces increased subjective satiety and reduced postprandial glycemia. It is presumed that if a food is satiating, it will decrease subsequent intake of other foods because hunger is suppressed. A lower caloric intake, in turn, would help promote weight loss.

Salvia hispanica may also encourage weight loss via another mechanism. Preliminary studies suggested that this grain has a lower glycemic index value than white flour. Consumption of low-GI foods compared to high-GI foods has been suggested to reduce obesity by discouraging fat deposition and promoting fat oxidation . Thus, Salvia hispanica could potentially promote weight loss by reducing both hunger and the amount of body fat stored.

In order to study Salvia hispanica's ability to promote weight loss, feasibility studies must first be done to determine what amount is optimal for satiety and also whether enriched products are most satiating in liquid or solid form.