For hundreds of years, chia seeds were a major part of Mayan and Aztec diets. They are being rediscovered for their impressive health benefits and great variety of nutrition.
Let’s take a look at 10 reasons to eat chia seeds.
1. Anti-inflammatory properties:
The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds help reduce inflammation. Omega-3s are well known for their antioxidant effects. Chronic inflammation is considered a major risk factor for many serious diseases, including arthritis, cancer, skin disorders such as rosacea.
2. Appetite control:
Chia seeds swell when they enter the stomach and form a gel. This causes an individual to feel full for longer. This property is a great help for weight loss. They are also a great source of dietary fiber, which contributes to appetite control.
3. Bone health:
Chia seeds are high in nutrients that are key to bone health. Some of these nutrients include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and protein, which help build bones and keep them healthy.
4. Energy booster:
Chia seeds provide a boost in energy and strength. Native Americans tribes such as Aztecs and Mayans used the seeds when they needed to fight in battle or run fast.
5. Gluten free:
Chia seeds are free of gluten, which makes them a perfect health food for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
6. Heart health:
Chia seeds help with many of the causes of heart disease outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They help will high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and reduce plaque in arteries.
7. High in protein:
They are a good source of healthy protein and amino acids. According to WebMD, “Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.”
8. Lowers cholesterol:
Chia seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps reduce LDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, “High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.”
9. May fight cancer:
Chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants. These antioxidants may help destroy cancer cells and repair damaged DNA. Antioxidants destroy free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
10. Regulates blood sugar:
Chia seeds control blood sugar and may prevent diabetes. They can prevent spikes in blood sugar, and regulates blood sugar to rise slowly.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
REFERENCES:
1. “Omega 3 Chia Seed Loading as a Means of Carbohydrate Loading.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.
2. “Chia (Salvia Hispanica L) Research.” Nutritional Science Research Institute. Nutritional Science Research Institute, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.
3. “The Benefits of Protein.” WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015.
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