Chia seeds and chemical‐elicited sprouts supplementation ameliorates insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis in obese rats

Chia seeds (CS) and sprouts are rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to assess the effects of germination and chemical elicitation (salicylic acid [SA]; hydrogen peroxide [H2O2]) on proximate chemical, total phenolics compounds (TPC), non‐extractable proanthocyanidins (NEPA), and carotenoids content of chia sprouts; besides, the effects of their supplementation on obesity‐associated complications in rats fed with high‐fat and fructose diet (HFFD) were evaluated. Protein, carbohydrate, TPC, NEPA, and carotenoids content were higher in sprouts than CS; elicitation enhanced TPC and carotenoids compared to non‐elicited (NE) sprouts. CS, NE, and elicited chia sprouts ameliorated insulin resistance and dyslipidemia at the same level in HFFD‐fed rats. NE and SA–chia sprouts exerted the biggest reduction in hepatic triglycerides, which could be partially related to inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity. In addition, SA elicitation induced the greatest effect on insulin levels and corporal weight. CS and their sprouts decreased obesity and its complication, mainly SA‐elicited sprouts. Practical applications The growing epidemic of non‐communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity has led to the search for prevention and treatment through lifestyle changes, including the consumption of foods rich in bioactive compounds, such as seeds and their sprouts. Since sprouts contain higher concentrations of bioactive compounds and nutrients than seed, germination is a natural alternative to produce ready‐to‐eat functional foods. Chemical elicitation is a strategy to increase even more the bioactivity of sprouts. CS has been recognized for its beneficial health effects ameliorating dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. This study demonstrates that elicitation, with SA and H2O2, during germination of CS, increases the nutrient and phytochemical content of sprouts, with beneficial effects on body weight gain, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and prevention of NAFLD progression in diet‐induced obese rats. Therefore, chia sprouts, natural and elicited, may be used as potential nutraceutical foods for the prevention and treatment of obesity and its complications. Germination of chia seeds increases protein, carbohydrate, total phenolic compounds (TPC), non‐extractable proanthocyanidins (NEPA), and carotenoids contents; while chemical elicitation enhances TPC and carotenoids compared to non‐elicited (NE) sprouts. Chia sprouts, NE, and elicited chia sprouts ameliora