The Benefits Of Chia Seeds
Big things come in small packages! So don’t be fooled by chia seeds small size because these seeds are packed and loaded with fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants. Chia seeds are a part of the “super food” group, and for great reason! They pack quite the nutritional punch. In fact, just a 0.5 ounce portion of these seeds has just 69 calories and 5 grams of fiber, 4 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein.
The health benefits of chia seeds aren’t new news though. People have been eating them for over 5,000 years. Originally from Mexico and Guatemala; chia- which is a member of the mint family- was used by the Aztecs and the Mayans from medicine, to meals, to cosmetics! They were also eaten by the Aztec warriors to give them high energy and endurance. Chia means “strength” in the Mayan language.
These small seeds are so versatile and they are available year round. I’m going to show you just a few health benefits chia seeds provide that will make it hard to pass up next time you see them at your local food market!
Chia seeds are loaded with fiber- One tablespoon of chia seeds are about 20 percent of your recommended daily fiber intake- a whopping 5 grams of fiber. Dietary fiber can help lower our cholesterol levels and shore up our digestive help.
Chia seeds are a complete protein- If you eat a plant based diet it can be hard to find a complete protein (proteins that contain all of the essential amino acids that your body needs to function, typically found in animal proteins). Chia seeds are a complete protein, which make it a wonderful option for you vegans out there!
Chia seeds can help keep you hydrated- Drink some chia seeds before your run! Chia seeds soak up a lot of water so it helps athletes to stay hydrated!
Chia seeds can help you lose weight- Because chia seeds are so good at absorbing water, it’s thought that they can boost you satiety. And, of course, the high fiber may keep you full too.
Chia seeds can help your skin with anti-aging- Chia seeds are full of antioxidants, and antioxidants speed up the skin’s repair systems and prevent further damage. Taking chia seeds can prevent premature aging due to inflammation and free radical damage.
Chia seeds can help your heart- Chia seeds ability to reverse inflammation, regulate cholesterol, and lower blood pressure makes it extremely beneficial to consume for heart health. By eating chia seeds you can boost and protect your heart because they are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids- which is another example of the ample benefits chia seeds hold.
Chia seeds can help fight off breast cancer and cervical cancer- Chia seeds are rich in alpha lipoic acid (or ALA) which is an omega-3 fatty acid. ALA limits the growth of cancer cells in both breast and cervix. Researchers found that it caused the death of cancer cells without harming the normal healthy cells. This is a great discovery by scientist for women struggling with these increasing types of cancer.
Chia seeds and dental health- Since chia seeds are packed with calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and zinc (amazing, right?!) it’s no wonder that they are a super food that can help your pretty smile! Calcium is the building block of your teeth and necessary for tooth health. Zinc prevents tartar by keeping plaque from mineralizing onto your teeth and has an antibacterial effect that keeps bad breath away!
There are just so many reasons to love these little seeds. I hope this short list shows you just a little insight of how wonderful chia seeds can be and how beneficial they really are to add to your daily routine!
