Please don't consider the size of the chia seeds in determining whether they are nutritious or not. These tiny seeds are among the most wholesome food on planet Earth. They benefit our body and brain in so many possible ways.
Benefits Of Chia Seeds – 10 Essential Benefits That You Will Get By Consuming Chia Seeds
#1. Help in losing weight
Many of us struggle a lot in losing weight. Sometimes we opt for difficult to follow diets; other times, we do the most challenging workout to lose some extra pounds. What if some magic seeds will help you lose weight efficiently and maintain it afterward? Chia seeds are those magical seeds that work wonders when it comes to losing weight.
This happens because of the fiber content in chia seeds. The SOLUBLE FIBER present in these magical seeds absorbs a considerable amount of water and enlarges inside the stomach. This enhances satiety and slows down the process of food digestion. Thus, helping us prevent hunger for a more extended period.
The satiety effect of chia seeds is also due to the presence of protein content in it.
#2. An excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids
Chia seeds are affluent in OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS. You will be surprised that chia seeds have more Omega-3 than salmon or any other fish.
The type of omega-3 fatty acids presents in chia seeds is the ALA, also known as ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID.
The ALA needs to be converted into its active form since it's in an inactive state. The active forms of ALA are EICOSAPENTAENOIC and DOCOSAHEXAENOIC acids. After ALA is converted into the active forms, it’s ready to use.
But there is a loophole in this whole process as human beings cannot convert the ALA into active forms.
Studies have suggested that Chia seeds can enhance the blood levels of ALA and EPA.
Unfortunately, they cannot deliver DHA to our bodies, which is the most vital omega-3 fatty acid.
#3. Makes bone strong
Chia seeds play a very vital role in supporting our bones and making them strong. They are enriched in calcium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, and, most importantly, proteins.
If you are a severe vegan or vegetarian, you should try eating chia seeds because they provide more calcium than any other dairy product.
ABOUT 28 GRAMS OF CHIA SEEDS CONTAIN 18% CALCIUM.
#4. Reduce blood sugar levels
High levels of blood sugar are accountable for type 2 diabetes, which is a chronic disease.
Type 2 diabetes is difficult to treat. Another chronic health problem that is associated with a high level of blood sugar is heart stroke.
Many individuals suffer from high blood sugar levels right after having meals, which has adverse health effects, especially when they are high daily.
Chia seeds can be very useful in improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar. They also help in stabilizing blood sugar levels after consuming meals.
#5. Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation helps our body against infections and injuries. It happens as a response against illness or injury.
Inflammation is quite useful in assisting our bodies to heal infections and injuries. But sometimes, it becomes chronic and become a condemnation instead of a blessing for our bodies.
Chronic inflammation is very lethal, as it increases the risk of heart disease and cancer.
The worst part about severe inflammation is it’s invisible and can be accessed only through inflammatory markers in the blood.
Smoking, less exercise, and poor eating habits contribute a lot to chronic inflammation. But as long as you have chia seeds in your kitchen cabinet, there is nothing to be worried about.
CHIA SEEDS HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO REDUCE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION BY 40%.
#6. Rich in fiber
Chia seeds are rich in fiber. All of these are very healthy and serves our bodies for various purposes.
ABOUT 28 GRAMS OF CHIA SEEDS CONTAINS 12 GRAMS OF CARBS.
Fiber belongs to the carbohydrate’s family. The health benefit that fiber provides is dramatically different from those that are offered by starch or sugar.
Chia seeds have a meager amount of digestible carb, about only 1 GRAM IN 28 GRAMS OF CHIA SEEDS. This aspect of chia seeds makes it a carb friendly food.
Fiber can absorb about 12 times in water and becomes gel-like. In this way, they help in expanding our stomach and promote satiety.
Additionally, fiber helps feed the good gut bacteria that maintain our gut health and prevents infectious agents from attacking our gut.
CHIA SEEDS HAVE ABOUT 42% FIBER, making them an excellent choice for weight loss and many other health benefits like satiety, good gut health, and or weight loss.
#7. Helps in the treatment of diverticulosis
Diverticulosis is distinguished by the formation of small pouches or pockets in the digestive tract lining.
Chia seeds are beneficial in treating diverticulosis flare-ups. They absorb water in the colon and enable the bowel movement to pass through without any difficulty.
A healthy, fiber-filled diet like chia seeds helps in the reduction of inflammation and pressure in the colon caused by diverticulosis.
To date, the genuine and exact reason behind this condition isn't known. However, a low fiber diet is related to it.
#8. Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are agents that help in fighting against free radicals. They also help in combating carcinogens present in food. Chia seeds possess a decent number of antioxidants, so you can eat them as much as you can.
Processed meats and other highly processed foods have a lot of free radicals in them. But natural and organic products like chia seeds are higher in antioxidants.
Another critical function of antioxidants is to protect the sensitive fats found in the seeds from going rotten.
#9. Clear Skin
We all have faced or facing many skin issues like acne, dark spots, and pigmentations. Many people have witnessed the sound effects that they get through chia seeds.
I help in rejuvenating dry and flaky skin. Many people suffer from flaky skin issues, and no matter how much they moisturize their skin, it leaves no effect at all.
If you incorporate chia seeds in your diet for a week, you will see your skin changes. It will give you a contrasting kind of glow and help you moisturize your skin without applying a single drop of moisturizer.
Also, the presence of antioxidants will have a significant impact on the skin.
#10. Rich in Nutrients
The nutritional profile of chia seeds is very high.
ABOUT 1OZ OF CHIA SEEDS CONTAINS 20% OF THE DAILY RECOMMENDED AMOUNT OF CALCIUM.
Calcium is not only healthy for bones and teeth, but it also helps in the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, enzymes, and several hormones. It also prevents blood clotting and reduces blood pressure.
Other essential nutrients are manganese, magnesium, and prosperous. These three serves our body in a variety of ways. For instance, magnesium elevates our mood and help us fall asleep quickly.
Manganese induces collagen production and makes the skin and bones healthier and happier.
Lastly, phosphorous helps develop cell structures and works along calcium to make the bones stronger.
B VITAMINS, POTASSIUM, ZINC are some other trace minerals that are found in chia seeds. B vitamins produce energy that we need to perform our daily activities. Zinc does a variety of functions for our bodies. It supports the immune system and maintains the appetite.
CHIA SEEDS ARE FULL OF NUTRITION AND CAN BE EASILY INCORPORATED INTO OUR DIETS. THEY ARE NEITHER BITTER NOR SWEET. THE JELLY-LIKE CONSISTENCY MAKES THEM EVERYONE'S FAVORITE.
THEY PROVIDE A VARIETY OF FUNCTIONS TO OUR BODIES. THEY PREVENT THE CHANCES OF CANCER, DIABETES, AND OTHER CHRONIC DISEASES.
ADD CHIA SEEDS TO YOUR MEALS FOR LONGEVITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE.