There is a lot of talk going on about the amazing health benefits of Chia seeds, a modern superfood used by all famous chefs and food bloggers in a plethora of healthy recipes.
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What are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are the edible seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. They are oval and gray with black and white spots, and quite tiny with a diameter around 1 millimetre (0.04 in).
Their origin is believed to be in Central America where chia seeds were one of the main foods in the diet of the ancient civilizations of Aztecs and Mayans. In fact, the word “chia” means “strength” in the Mayan language. Moreover, Aztec warriors viewed chia seeds as a source of energy and stamina. They were also used for medicinal purposes.
Nowadays, chia seeds are considered a nutritional powerhouse and therefore are very popular among adventure enthusiasts, distance runners, and other athletes, and people who care about their health.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are often referred to as a “superfood”. Actually, these tiny black seeds are highly nutritious and provide a large amount of energy with very few calories. They are rich in fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin A. More specifically, a 28-gram (1-ounce) serving of chia seeds contains 11 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat (5 of which are omega-3s), and only 137 calories.
Chia seeds also have important health benefits for your body and brain, since they may aid weight loss and help reduce inflammation, blood cholesterol, and triglycerides. These tiny seeds can keep you full and sustained throughout the day longer than many other seeds do.
How to use Chia Seeds
Rich in nutrients and so easy to use, Chia seeds can be eaten raw, but most people use them soaked in juice, added to porridge, puddings, and baked goods, and even included in smoothies, breakfasts, yogurt, salads, quinoa, and veggie dishes. They also have an amazing ability to absorb water and fat up to 12 times their weight and develop a mucilaginous coating that gives chia-based foods and beverages a distinctive gel texture. Therefore, they can be used to thicken sauces or as a vegan egg substitute in recipes too!
Watch the video below and discover 23 amazing benefits of Chia seeds including weight loss:
Health and Nutrition Facts about Chia Seeds (view above video):
- Fiber Source
- Vegans and vegetarians friendly
- Weight Loss Aid
- Antioxidant
- Use it for ‘breading’
- Chia Seeds Are Typically Non-GMO And Grown Organically
- Chia Seeds Support Healthy Bones
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Chia Seeds Are A Great Source Of Plant Protein
- They’re Good For Your Digestive System
- They Help To Detoxify The Body
- They’re A Natural Beauty Food
- Seed Up Your Drink
- Long shelf life
- Enhances mood
- Enhance Heart Health & Fight diabetes
- Chia Seeds Are Suitable For A Low Carb Diet
- Chia Seeds Are Abundant in Phosphorus
- Make dessert!
- Reduce Your Risk Of Colon Cancer
- Chia Seeds Contain Manganese
- Add them to your greens
- Combat Ugly Belly Fat
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