Chia seeds are a popular superfood around the world. They come from a plant known as Salvia hispanica. These plants originally thrived in Central America. Their magical seeds have been applied to medicinal practices by many civilizations over the years. From ancient Aztecs to Native Americans, their benefits have passed down through the generations. They are known as the food of warriors, due to their history and the amount of energy they provide. However, historic cultures didn’t know all there is to know about them.
These little miracles of nature are currently used as a supplemental treatment for people suffering from diabetes, breast cancer, muscle breakdown, digestive malfunctions, obesity, bone problems, and heart issues. Individuals who deal with premature aging, dental problems, and fatigue will also see an improvement with this supplementation. They are a major source of protein and calcium. Other nutrients found in this superfood include magnesium, phosphorous, leptin, vitamin E, omega-3, omega-6, lignans, and dietary fiber. You can find them in bulk at almost any grocery store or market. It is cheaper to buy them this way. Add them to any food or drink, and watch your health improve dramatically. There are nine major improvements you will notice.
1. Skin and Aging
The foods you eat have a direct correlation with skin and aging. If you are looking to refresh your complexion, chia seeds are a wonderful diet addition. Your body requires adequate amounts of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids to keep your complexion youthful. Your epidermis weakens as time progresses. Consequently, skin cannot repair itself efficiently. The good news is that chia seeds provide more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon! Omega-3s help the epidermis by strengthening skin cells and boosting your collagen levels. Your skin will start to regain its youthful glow as its tone and texture attain balance.
Omega-3s can prevent extensive sun damage and calm inflamed skin as well. When oil from these seeds is extracted, tocopherols are found in higher amounts than in flaxseed oil. Tocopherols are commonly known as vitamin E. These antioxidants will protect your skin from inflammation. Additionally, its moisture levels will increase. This is essential when trying to reduce the visibility of lines and wrinkles. Tocopherols also guard your skin against dangerous environmental damage caused by emissions, harsh products, and weather patterns. These skin and aging benefits can be obtained by consuming chia seeds or applying their oil. Nutrients found in these seeds positively impact your health in several other ways.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Digestive Health
Your digestive health can be greatly improved with the daily consumption of chia seeds. They’re rich in soluble fiber with about eleven grams per ounce. Getting enough fiber is imperative if you’re trying to maintain or improve your digestive tract. The natural acidic properties of fiber help repair and protect the inner lining of your intestines. As a result, sufferers of diverticulitis see symptoms that are less severe. The fiber content of chia seeds also makes you feel full longer. A single serving of chia seeds per day can regulate stools, improve satiation, and strengthen your entire digestive system. If you’re dealing with constipation, diverticulitis, or other intestinal issues, consider using these seeds to improve your situation. These miracles of nature also contain many healthy fats.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Heart Health
Chia seeds are high in fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. These are known to promote heart health. Healthy fats prevent stroke and heart attack by raising your good cholesterol numbers. The fiber found in these tiny seeds can lead to lower blood pressure. It also reduces inflammation and decreases obesity rates. Both are main causes of cardiovascular disease. Chia seeds reduce obesity by increasing satiation and decreasing cravings. It is important to note that sticking to the recommended serving is the best route to take. Too much healthy fat can lead to health issues like weight gain and diabetes.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Help Treat Diabetes
The struggle with diabetes can be a challenging one. If you are currently fighting it, consider adding chia seeds to your meal plan. Their fiber, protein, calcium, and fatty acids are known to help treat diabetes. Research says that consuming an appropriate serving each day can aid with the body’s regulation of glucose. Glucose traveling through your blood may slow because of the fiber they contain. Fiber begins helping your digestive function. This allows the glucose that enters your blood cells to slow down. As a result, blood sugar is kept at normal levels. The fatty acids in chia seeds will aid in weight loss and cholesterol levels, which corresponds with diabetes treatment and prevention.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Boosts Energy
Ancient Aztecs used to carry chia oil in their packs during long journeys. Their hikes would take them into high altitudes, so they relied on chia seed oil that boosts energy. This oil was also utilized by early Native Americans. Their warriors would use chia oil for the energy needed to win battles. Soluble fiber in chia seeds helps your body absorb healthy carbohydrates more efficiently. The perfect mixture of carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins, fiber, and antioxidants is a source of heightened endurance and healthy energy. B vitamins are another nutrient present in these seeds that boosts energy. Chia seeds strengthen your body’s endurance as well as its skeletal system.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Stronger Bones
Did you know that chia seeds have more calcium than dairy milk? It only takes a one-ounce serving to absorb one-fifth of your recommended daily intake. Calcium helps build stronger bones to prevent conditions like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and osteopenia. During the aging process, calcium and magnesium levels drop in the body. That is why it’s vital to add healthy foods like this to your diet. Your body needs to supplement this loss. Boron is another nutrient found in them. Boron is usually taken as a supplement to treat the conditions listed above. Magnesium and phosphorous are also present. These minerals are proven to build stronger bones. Magnesium is also linked to healthier muscle tissues.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. Build Muscle and Lose Weight
The magnesium, protein, leptin, and healthy fat that chia seeds hold promote strong muscles and healthy body weight. They are popularly consumed because they contain thirty-four percent of your daily protein recommendation. It’s believed that they are more efficient post-workout than protein shakes or bars. While many plants contain protein, chia seeds are the perfect plant protein. Another nutrient used in weight loss is the omega-3 that they provide. It speeds up your metabolism while dietary fiber does the rest. Dietary fiber benefits your colon. If your colon isn’t clear, weight loss can be nearly impossible. Plus, fiber keeps you full longer which reduces junk food cravings. Chia seeds help you build muscle and lose weight, but they also benefit more serious health issues like cancer.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]8. Fight Breast Cancer
Lignans found in chia seeds lower the production of estrogen, which slows cell multiplication in breast cancer. Plant lignans are technically classified as phytoestrogens and are used to fight breast cancer. This was proven during human trials. A controlled experiment proved that women who consumed more plant lignans had a forty-two percent drop in their risk of death from postmenopausal breast cancer. During another experiment, a group of scientists studied a controlled group of women for ten years. The women who consumed more plant lignans dropped their risk of breast cancer death by seventy-one percent! These seeds are one of the best sources of plant lignans and can be consumed daily to prevent or fight breast cancer. Now that’s a good reason to smile.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]9. Dental Health
Speaking of smiles, did you know that chia seeds can also improve your dental health? Your teeth are made of bone. Likewise, they require an adequate amount of calcium. Adding just one tablespoon of these seeds to your cereal or smoothie provides you with ten percent of your daily calcium intake. However, it’s necessary to note that they are easily caught between your teeth. To prevent this from hindering your dental health, consume milled seeds instead. They’re a great addition to your shakes, sauces, or baked goods. As previously mentioned, they’re rich in minerals like phosphorous, magnesium, and calcium. All of these are extremely important for a brilliant smile and healthy body.
