Chia seeds have been gaining a lot of attention in the health and nutritional industries. These tiny seeds are packed full of nutrients, and they provide a wide array of medicinal benefits. These seeds are native to South America, and they were the main source of food for the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. It was said that soldiers relied on consuming these seeds for sustenance during battle. Just what are some of these important medicinal properties?
Ounce per ounce, chia seeds contain an amazing amount of nutrients while not weighing you down with many calories. Just a couple of tablespoons of these seeds have less than 140 calories, but they contain about four grams of protein, about 30 percent of several important minerals, and more than 10 grams of fiber. They are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, potassium, and the B vitamins.
By nature, when chia seeds are soaked in water, they can absorb up to 12 times their weight in volume. This particular property makes chia seeds an ideal nutrition support for weight loss. When these seeds are consumed with water, they expand inside the stomach, giving you a feeling of fullness. Your craving for junk food and snacks diminishes. When you eat less non-essential foods, you lose weight.
There are some new studies that show how Chia seeds can also be used for drug addiction treatment.
Because of chia seeds’ high fiber content, they can support a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps in maintaining regularity in digestion and facilitates the elimination of waste. Bowel movements are less strained. As a result, the health of your colon can improve. There are less chances of developing inflammation in the colon, and problems like diverticulosis can be averted. When waste is eliminated regularly, toxins from the waste are also flushed out of the body.
Chia seeds support healthy bones. Your bones require minerals in order to maintain their hardness. When you body depletes its minerals, and you do not replenish that adequately, your bones will become brittle. Brittle bones lead to breakage and other health problems. Chia seeds contain a high level of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important to your bones. When you consume chia seeds, you can replenish the minerals that your body has lost.
These are some of the health benefits that you can expect when you add chia seeds to your daily diet. Incorporating these seeds into your food is quite easy. You can add them to practically anything because they will hardly alter the taste of food. You can stir them into a smoothie for an extra boost of nutrients. You can sprinkle them on top of a salad as a crunchy topping. You can make a delicious dessert by presoaking them until they turn into a gelatinous state, then mixing in crushed fruit for a refreshing treat. There are hundreds of ways to use them. When you add chia to your food for the first time, just add a little bit to allow your body to get used to the extra fiber. Then, as you use it more often, add a little more. When you incorporate chia seeds into your diet, you will jump start your journey to better health.