Health Benefits Of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are becoming more popular in the healthy eating industry. When you hear the word “chia”, I bet you think of those little clay animals that sprout green “fur”. The Chia Pet did use chia seeds, and these seeds were what covered the body of the Chia Pet. The chia seed originates in the central valley of Mexico and is a part of the mint family. The Mayans and the Aztecs regularly incorporated chia seeds into the meals. Aztec warriors made the chia seed one of their basic survival foods. It's even being rumored that chia seeds are healthier than the very popular flax seed. What is in these chia seeds that make them so valuable? There are many health benefits of chia seeds.

Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They actually contain more of these fatty acids than flax seeds. Chia seeds also contain more anti-oxidants than flax seeds. With such a high content of anti-oxidants, chia seeds can be stored for a very long time without going rancid. The anti-oxidants make it so these seeds don't deteriorate. Another benefit chia seeds have over flax seeds is the fact that chia seeds don't need to be ground up to make them easier to digest. Chia seeds provide many essential nutrients. You can receive almost 7 grams of fiber in just 25 grams of chia seeds. Other nutrients chia seeds contain are phosphorus, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, and niacin.

Athletes, or other people who are physically active, benefit greatly from consuming chia seeds. These seeds are very hydrophilic, which means they can absorb a large amount of water. In fact, chia seeds are able to absorb at least 10 times their weight in water. If you drink water after you've eaten some chia seeds, the water will be held in your system longer than it normally would. For anyone who is physically fit, hydration is extremely important.

Diabetics can benefit a lot from eating chia seeds. Studies have been conducted showing that the body converts calories from carbohydrates into simple sugars at a slower rate when chia seeds are consumed. Because the conversion is slower, blood sugar levels are more stable. There won't be as many fluctuations that can leave you feeling weak or dizzy. Chia seeds are great for people trying to lose weight. When chia seeds hit the digestive system, they turn into a kind of gel and expand in the stomach. This leaves you feeling full and will have you eating less. You'll feel less hungry, and won't be tempted to over eat.

Due to the fiber content and the healthy oils found in chia seeds, these seeds are great for detoxification. They will help to flush the body of toxins and waste. The fiber allows food to move more easily through the digestive tract. Fiber has a sort of cleaning ability. It clears away any food particles along the intestines, making the path clear for any food that follows. It's been said that you should eat foods high in fiber, such as vegetables or fruit, before eating meat products. The vegetables and fruit will clear the way and make it easier to digest the rest of the food.

Chia seeds can be incorporated into a diet very easily. Since they don't have to be ground up in order to eat them, you can sprinkle them into meals. Sprinkling them over yogurt in the morning will start your day off right. They can also be added into salads or to baked goods.

The health benefits of chia seeds are becoming more apparent. As time goes on, more health benefits of this seed are sure to come to light. The chia seed has been around for many centuries, and will no doubt become very common in no time.