Chia seeds may be a relative newcomer to the American diet, but they have been consumed since ancient times and were known to be part of the cuisine of both the Maya and the Aztec peoples. The seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant bring numerous health benefits with them and below are ten reasons why you should consider adding them to your diet today.
High in Nutrients
Pound for pound, chia seeds are incredibly rich in nutrients and will provide you with calcium, zinc, phosphorous, copper, manganese and other trace elements your body needs to function.
Low Calorie
Chia seeds, unlike some other kinds of seeds, are actually low in calories, clocking in at just 136 calories for one ounce of seeds. And 36 of these calories come from fiber, which is not digested anyways.
Antioxidant-Rich
The potent antioxidants found in chia seeds help to protect the body from oxidative damage, thus reducing the risks of some forms of cancer and slowing down the aging process.
Plant-Based Protein
Coming in around 4 grams of protein per one ounce of seed, chia seeds provide a moderate amount of plant-based protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.
Digestive Aid
Due to the fact that chia seeds contain a whopping 11g of fiber in just one serving, these are a great digestive aid, improving your body’s overall ability to break down food and eliminate wastes.
Assistance for Weight Loss
Chia seeds are a wonderful food to eat if you are dieting: because they absorb water and expand in your stomach, they will leave you feeling fuller for longer and cut down on the chances of overeating.
Source for Omega-3’s
Chia seeds are a wonderful source for Omega-3 fatty acids. These compounds have many benefits, including reducing inflammation throughout the body and supporting overall health.
Heart Healthy
Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, chia seeds are an excellent food for support cardiac health and reducing tissue damage, plaque build-up and other cardiac risk factors.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Another risk factor for heart disease is high blood pressure, which regular consumption of chia seeds can lower, mostly due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Regulates Blood Sugar
Chia seeds help to slow the absorption of sugars in both the stomach and small intestines, which has the overall effect of stabilizing and regulating the blood sugar. Chia seeds are thus great for diabetics.
As you can see from the list above, the number of benefits that chia seeds bring with them can improve the overall health of just about anyone, even someone who is already leading an active, nutritionally balanced lifestyle. Consider adding them to your diet today and see what they can do for you!
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