Consumption of a Byproduct of Chia Seed Oil Extraction by Cold Pressing Ameliorates Cardiovascular Risks Factors in an Experimental Model of Metabolically Unhealthy Normal Weight

The byproduct of Salvia hispanica (chia) seed oil extraction by cold pressing, also known as expeller, possesses a high nutritional value. It is rich in proteins, fibers, minerals, and has a residual oil content of 7–11%, which is rich in omega 3 linolenic acid (ALA). However, this byproduct has been historically undervalued. Thus, the aim of current work was to study the effects of consuming of a rich in chia expeller diet on a rabbit model of metabolically unhealthy normal weight to validate their use as a functional food. Rabbits were fed different diets for a period of 6 weeks: a standard diet (CD), a high-fat diet (HFD), a rich in expeller CD (Exp-CD) and a rich in expeller HFD (Exp-HFD). The Exp-HFD attenuated the rise in basal glucose, TyG index, triglycerides, cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol induced by the HFD. Both rich in expeller diets reduced mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and increase liver and fat ALA levels compared to their respective controls. Furthermore, the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity was lower in the lungs of animals fed on rich in expeller diets compared to their respective controls. In vitro studies showed that ALA inhibited ACE activity. The evaluation of vascular reactivity revealed that rich in expeller diets improved angiotensin II affinity and reduced contractile response to noradrenaline. In conclusion, the consumption of rich in expeller diets showed beneficial effects in preventing cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and MAP. Therefore, its use as functional ingredient holds significant promise.