A lot of people who come to me want to know about chia seeds. The increased curiosity towards these seeds is not shocking to say the least. Chia seeds have become one of the most popular superfoods in the health community. Originally grown in Mexico, the seeds were highly valued for their medicinal properties and nutritional value. Chia means “strength” in the Mayan language, and chia seeds were known as “runners’ food” because runners and warriors would use them as fuel while running long distances or during battle.

Not only that, but recent research has found that the chia seeds benefits are even greater than we realized. Chia seeds benefits include:

• Promoting healthy skin
• Reducing signs of aging
• Supporting the heart and digestive system
• Building stronger bones and muscles

… and many more.

Nutrition Value of Chia Seeds:

The reason chia seeds are so beneficial is due to them being rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals.

For example, one tablespoon (15 grams) of chia seeds contain about:

• 68 calories
• 6 grams carbohydrates
• 2 grams protein
• 4 grams fat
• 5 grams fiber
• 0.3 milligram manganese
• 132 milligrams phosphorus
• 88 milligrams calcium
• 0.5 milligram zinc
• 0.05 milligram copper
• 22 milligrams potassium

Chia seeds also contain essential fatty acids: alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid, vitamins A, B, E and D; and minerals, including sulphur, iron, iodine, magnesium, manganese, niacin and thiamine; and they’re a rich source of antioxidants.

Being rich in so many key nutrients, research has uncovered that regularly eating chia seeds can improve your health in numerous ways. Some of the top chia seeds benefits are:

1. Skin and Aging:

Taking chia seeds can prevent premature skin aging due to inflammation and free radical damage.

2. Digestive Health and Weight Loss

Chia is super-high in fiber, providing nearly 6 grams per tablespoon(15 grams).

Being high in dietary fiber, chia seeds benefits bowel regularity and healthy stool. The rich fiber content in chia seeds also helps people feel full quicker because it absorbs a considerable amount of water and immediately expands in the stomach when eaten. This may explain why clinical studies have proved that chia curbs hunger and suppresses appetite, which can also lead to weight-loss. 

3. Heart Health

Chia seeds’ ability to reverse inflammation, regulate cholesterol and lower blood pressure makes it extremely beneficial to consume for heart health.

4. Help Treat Diabetes

Because chia seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid and fiber, researches have shown that chia seeds can help prevent metabolic disorders like dyslipidaemia (excessive fat in the blood) and insulin resistance, which are two factors in the development of diabetes

5. Boost Your Energy and Metabolism

By adding a serving of chia seeds a day, you can help boost your metabolism and burn belly fat as well. Studies show that the addition of chia seeds to your diet also reduces visceral adipose tissue, a “belly fat” tissue that affects the metabolism of the body and is a component of obesity.

6. Stronger Bones

Just one tablespoon of chia seeds has about 9 percent of the recommended daily amount of calcium. Calcium is fundamental in bone health and helps maintain bone strength and mass.

Chia also contains boron, which is another essential nutrient for bone health. Boron helps metabolize calcium, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus for healthy growth of bones and muscles.

7. Build Muscle and Lose Weight

Chia seeds also rank among the top plant-based sources of proteins. This is another reason this super seed is great to consume for those trying to put on lean muscle, burn fat and balance blood sugar levels.

These are the top seven benefits of these wonder seeds! There are many more. So, what are you waiting for? Include them in your daily diet and reap all the benefits! Thank me later and keep reading my blog to know more…