In today's age of stressful lifestyle along with junk and adulterated food, in the age of obesity and oily food, in the age of unhealthy food habits, one of the most popular superfoods for a "healthy you" is CHIA SEEDS.
What are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds, Originally grown in Mexico, are highly valued for their nutritional value and medicinal properties. The seeds are full of nutrients needed for a healthy living. Originally used by warriors and athletes as an energy giving food, the seeds have been researched a lot by medical experts and are today regarded as an elixir in the health community, giving all the necessary minerals, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and other nutrients like as
omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, calcium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, sulphur, iron, iodine, magnesium, manganese etc. required in the body.
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| Chia Seeds Nutrients |
Benefits of Chia Seeds
Being rich in so many key nutrients, eating chia seeds can improve your health in various ways. Some of the top chia seed benefits are:
Skin Repair and Prevents Skin Aging: Chia seeds are one of nature’s richest antioxidants, which help in skin’s repairing, preventing further damage and premature skin aging.
Improves Digestion: It is rich in fiber, and experts have said that one serving provides the fiber intake recommended for the day. It prevents constipation, and helps in bowel regularity and thereby helps in easy digestion.
Manages Sugar Level: Chia Seeds being rich in fiber and alpha-linolenic acid help in balancing insulin levels. These seeds are natural blood sugar balancer.
Weight loss: Because the seeds are rich in fiber content, it helps people feel more full quicker. Seeds when consumed absorbs a considerable amount of water, creating a gelatin-like substance in the stomach and makes your stomach feel full. This is the reason why chia seeds help in curbing hunger and suppresses appetite, which in turn help to lose weight.
Healthy Heart: Chia seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids. Daily consuming chia seeds helps in reducing bad cholesterol and lowering blood pressure and thereby helps in improving your heart and paving the way for a healthy heart.
Boosting Energy and Metabolism: This is one of the most recommended super foods for enhancing your strength, energy and metabolism. Chia seeds are highly recommended for sport stars, atheletes and gym goers. It not only help boost your metabolism but also burn belly fat. It also improves stamina and endurance
Stronger Bones: Calcium is very essential in bone health. It maintains bone strength and mass. Chia contains both calcium and boron which are essential for bone health and strong bones.
Cancer Prevention: Another important health benefit of chia seed is that it helps fight breast and cervical cancer. The presence of
alpha lineic acid (or ALA) in chia seeds limits the growth of cancer cells. It also causes cancer cell deaths without harming the normal healthy cells.
Dental Improvement: These seeds are packed with calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin A and zinc, and hence its no surprise that the seeds improve your teeth health.
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| Health Benefits of Chia Seeds |
How to Consume Chia Seeds?
The seeds are versatile ingredients that can be added in all foods of your choice. They are easy to digest. They can be consumed raw or can be sprinkled over your favourite foods. They can be soaked to form gel which can be consumed directly or added on soups and smoothies and other foods. The seeds do not have their own taste but performs its functions in the body for better health and strength.
The best way to access their vitamins and minerals is to either grind or soak them. When you grind them, you can use it in gluten-free recipes like muffins, pancakes, breads and even pastas. It is important to store the grinded seeds in a sealed, glass container in your refrigerator. To soak chia seeds, simply mix them in a 1:10 ratio chia to water. If you don't want to soak them, then make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated.
Chia Seeds Side Effects
There are very few side effects associated with consuming chia seeds such as stomach discomfort. Hence it is advisable to consume the seeds in moderation.
Image source:https://livelovefruit.com, http://healthyfitnatural.com
Image source:https://livelovefruit.com, http://healthyfitnatural.com
