Althoughthey haven’t been apart of the mainstream health craze for long,chia seeds have long been considered one of the most nutrient-densefoods on the planet. Chia seeds were a staple among certain ancientcivilizations, mainly the Aztec of Central America where chia isthought to have originated. The benefits of chia seeds are vast, andcan aid your body from head to toe. But just how amazing is thissuperfood? Here are the top 6 benefits of chia seeds.
LittleCalories, A lot of Nutrients
Manynutrient-dense foods are also high in calories, making them great insome ways but counterproductive to weight loss goals if overlyconsumed. Chia is a great option for those seeking to lose weight butmaintain nutritional intake because chia seeds are so low incalories. They are packed with fiber, protein, calcium, healthy fatsand more.
Highin Protein
Manyplants require you to consume large portions if you want to achievehigh protein intake. Chia is a great source of protein, with 14% of aportion of chia seeds made up of protein. High protein is also greatfor weight loss because it can reduce appetite, and potentiallyreduce subconscious obsessive thinking about food, as well as theurge to snack at night.
SubstantialOmega-3 Content
Manypeople immediately turn to foods like fish to find their Omega-3fatty acids. But would you believe that the same weight of chia seedscontain more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon? This is what makes chiaa leading superfood for consuming healthy fats.
LoweredHeart Disease Risk
Whilethe results are not totally conclusive, some studies have shown thatconsuming chia seeds can lower the risk of heart disease. This is dueto their high content of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and protein.Testing has shown that there may be the possibility for loweredinflammation, insulin resistance, and fat around the midsection.
Greatfor Bone Health
Thehigh content of calcium, protein, magnesium and calcium in chia seedsmakes this superfood a great proponent of bone health. The calciumcontent is around 18% in chia seeds, which is actually more than mosttypical dairy products on the market. This makes chia a great optionfor those on a plant-based diet, who are looking to strengthen bonehealth– with a higher calcium content than most dairy, it could bebeneficial to dairy lovers as well.
Easy to Use
Many health trends can be hard to incorporate into your diet if you aren’t that familiar with healthy eating. But what makes chia such a popular health food is it’s versatility and easy of use for the average person. Anyone can begin using chia in their diets– it’s as simple as adding chia to your oatmeal or porridge, smoothies and drinks, yogurt, or even baking them into your bread, treats, or any other meal. They are pretty tasteless, but add a hearty texture, so they go well with just about any recipe or home-cooked concoction you can come up with.