Chia Seeds: 8 Healthy Benefits
Tiny Chia Seeds
Chia Seeds
8 Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chances are you know those wonderful Chia Pets sold every year at Christmas time. Turns out those sprouted pets start out as healthy chia seeds and happen to be super nutritious. Among the many benefits of the seeds are the fact that they are considered a protein powerhouse.
Chia (Salvia Hispanica), has been used as a food since 3500 BC. It was a diet staple of the Mayans and Aztecs.
So What Are the Benefits of Chia Seeds?
1 - The Running Food - Chia seeds provide a great deal of fuel activity and for long periods of time. Thus the name "the running food," and why it was valued by the ancient Americas' people. Fitness enthusiasts today are becoming aware of these same benefits.
2 - Protein - About the size of a poppy seed, chia provides an abundance of protein. Protein is the basic building material of muscle and tissue. More than other plant based foods, chia seeds provides readily absorbed amounts of essential amino acids that the body does not produce.
3 - Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Additionally, chia provides a large amount of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, chia contains more omega-3 than the more popularly known and used, flax seeds.
4 - Micronutrients - High in antioxidants, chia seeds provide a hefty amount of minerals including B vitamins, vitamin C, as well as calcium, boron. iron and potassium.
5 - Hydrophilic Colloid - This soluble fiber helps to regulate the electrolyte balance in the body and keeps the body hydrated.
6 - Slows Conversion of Dietary Carbohydrates - Chia can form a gel which in turn helps provide a feeling of fullness and helps to slow the conversion of dietary carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar). This feeling of fullness is also helpful for people wanting to lose weight. In addition, it helps the intestinal tract function.
7 - Type 2 Diabetes - According to a study published in the January 2009 British Journal of Nutrition, chia is showing healthy effects in laboratory research. Chia was shown to reduce resistance to insulin (the hormone that controls glucose). Additionally, in the Diabetic Care magazine, it was reported that chia lowered blood pressure and hemoglobin A1C, which is a blood-sugar marker.
8 - Easy to incorporate into the diet - Chia seeds have a mild and nutty flavor that mixes well with foods and beverages. In whole form they can be added to salads, yogurt and cereals. When ground, the seeds can be added to baked goods, salsa, soups and can be eaten sprouted. Sprouted is what we are used to seeing on the Chia Pets.
When chia is feed to chickens, eggs are higher in omega-3 fatty acids.
For numbered lists of more beneficial foods, including amazing vinegar, see the links below:
About Chia Seeds
Would You Try Chia Seeds?
A Number of Other Numbered Healthy Lists
- Seeds for Good Health: 7 Kinds Including Watermelon ...
Did you know - watermelon seeds are super healthy? Perhaps more familiar are the sunflower seeds that seem to have been ithe snack of choice when I was growing up. We'd spit those shells everywhere, (and... - 4 Amazing Health Benefits of Cranberries
As we finally move away from food products and back to food in its most natural state, we are finding out that fresh food has all the nutritional benefits that we will ever need This includes cranberries,... - 8 Super Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus has so many health benefits, it should be added to the healthy diet. Asparagus is great as a detox vegetable, an anti-aging vegetable, and no surprise - an aphrodisiac, and much more. The... - 10 Healthy Foods to Help You Lose Weight and Feel Fu...
Historically, food has always been there to keep us healthy. Unfortuntately, the Western Diet has become filled with processed foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, and... - Top 10 Apple Cider Vinegar Beauty Benefits
There are numerous beauty benefits that come along with Apple Cider Vinegar. It promotes better circulation, gives your skin a healthy glow and acts as an antiseptic. Apple Cider Vinegar is beneficial and... - 12 Herbal Teas with Healthy Benefits
Herbal teas are also known as tisanes* and herbal infusions. Herbs have long been used in traditional medicine, and as a tea, is often prescribed by herbalists. If something ails you, there may be an herbal...
