Chia seeds are low-calorie grains, grown and cultivated in the mountains in ecologically clean most regions of South America.
They
have beneficial effects on the body due to their healing power and other
multifaceted properties.
The seeds have a long shelf life with pleasant nutty flavor. They are usually white, gray, brown or black in color but regardless of their color, they have exactly the same structure.
The seeds are used in pure form or as a supplement to the porridge, vegetables, sauces, salads, infant formula, juices, yogurt, smoothies, and berries.
They are also used in the preparation of desserts and
baking. However, baking can destroy many of the nutrients present in it.
Important Constituents of chia seeds
- About 20% proteins,
- 34% oil,
- As much as 25% fiber, a very good percentage.
- 5 times more calcium than milk,
- 2 times more potassium than bananas,
- 3 times more iron than
spinach and 15 times more magnesium than broccoli.
Health
benefits of chia seeds: Top 12 reasons you should start consuming them from
today.
1. As an additional source of energy
Chia seeds are easy to digest and give a feeling of fullness that promotes weight loss.
This is one of the most beneficial foods that you should make sure to eat every day. This is a legendary plant food, used by Maya and Aztecs in the past.
Aztec warriors during all their campaigns and battles eat Chia seeds, which gave them strength and endurance.
2. A perfect source of protein for vegetarians,
vegans, and athletes
A chia seed contains 20% proteins.
The proteins in these seeds comprise all essential amino acids.
If we compare, wheat and corn have 14%, oat 15%, Barley 9%, and amaranth has 15% proteins in it. It doesn’t contain gluten, so it is easy to digest.
3. Chia seeds contain healthy fats (Omega-3 and
Omega-6) more than flax seeds
The percentage of omega-3 fatty acids is up to 60% of its fat.
These fatty acids are essential for the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins which are Vitamin A, D, E and K.
These vitamins are catalysts for cellular respiration and energy supply of the cells of the mucous membranes and the nerves (the cells of
If you compare, the concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids is 0.3% in sunflower oil and 1.5% in olive oil.
4. Chia contains no cholesterol
Using chia seeds promotes lowering the blood cholesterol.
This leads to a reduction of
atherosclerotic plaques formation in blood vessels, normalizing the blood
pressure (especially in hypertensive patients), reducing the risk of stroke and
cardiovascular disease.
5. An excellent supplier of calcium
Calcium is required for the normal development and function of the musculoskeletal system in everyone, but it is especially important for children and athletes.
It prevents the development of osteoporosis, especially in
Studies have shown that chia seeds contain 5 times more calcium than milk.
Calcium is fully absorbed in the body due to the presence of boron in Chia
seeds acting as a catalyst for the absorption and assimilation of calcium.
6. Chia seeds are excellent source of other
trace elements
Chia seeds contain magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium and iron, which are important components of many enzymes, hormones and used by our endocrine system.
Studies have shown that Chia seeds contain 3
times more iron than spinach and 15 times more magnesium than broccoli.
7. Chia contains many useful vitamins
Chia seeds contain Vitamin A, B1, B2 and B3
which play an important role in the development of the human body and
functioning of body metabolism, cardiovascular and nervous system.
8. A source of valuable antioxidants that
prevent aging
These seeds contain 3 times more antioxidants than
the blueberries. Their concentration is even more than that is in fresh.
9. Chia seeds help you lose weight and maintain
a good lean body mass
It sounds incredible, but it’s true. These
little seeds absorb excessive fat very rapidly. It gives a feeling of satiety,
and, in fact, saving you the extra calories and contributes to the proper
operation of your digestive system.
10. Chia seeds help you lower the blood pressure
and stabilize blood sugar levels
According to a research conducted in Toronto,
after only 3 months of daily consumption of chia seeds, the blood becomes less
viscous. This prevents the abnormal blood clotting in normal blood vessels.
Blood pressure in the participants of research was also significantly
decreased.
11. Chia seeds help diabetics stabilize the blood
glucose levels
These seeds are beneficial to maintain blood sugar levels in normal limits for diabetics.
This is because they don’t contain free glucose in high percentage.
The sugar present in chia seeds is in the form of complex carbohydrates.
These complex carbohydrates are digested slowly and release the glucose in small quantity at a low rate, thus maintaining the blood glucose levels and prevent blood glucose levels go high.
12. Other health benefits
Chia seeds can be used in the treatment of Epilepsy, Alzheimer disease, Multiple sclerosis, and Depression. They improve the immunity of a human body and prevent infections.
Conclusions: It
does not matter whether you are healthy, suffering diabetes or just want to
lose some weight - chia seeds are what you need every day.
Do you have something to share with us about
chia seeds please leave your comment below?
References
1. http://www.myhealthtips.in/2013/07/super-foods-for-your-heart.html
2. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3061/2
3. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000727.htm
