Introduction. Chia seeds belong to the genre of Salvia, which encompasses 900 species of Lamiaceae family. Chia seeds are characterized by a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (25–35%), a relatively high content of protein (15–25%) and a moderate carbohydrates content (26–41%). Aim. Nutritional value characteristics of chia seeds and its role in the prevention of metabolic diseases development. Abbreviated state of knowledge. Chia seeds are a valuable food product due to the plant omega-3 fatty acids content. Chia seeds contain many vital constituents which exhibit antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Chia seeds find their application in a diet of patients with obesity, diabetes and subjects who follow a gluten free diet. Clinical trials conducted on humans confirm the antidiabetic effect of chia seeds. They also stimulate satiety and minimize the risk for insulin resistance development. Furthermore, chia seeds exhibit antithrombotic, antitumor and hypotensive properties. Conclusion. Due to the high nutritional value of chia seeds, their high content of α-linolenic acid and antioxidative properties, it is worth discovering and promoting their application in a daily diet.

Key words: chia seeds, diabetes, incresed body weight, α-linolenic acid.