Chia seeds have been one of the most popular and widely consumed superfoods in Mexico. Today, the trend of mindful eating and vegan choices has introduced Chia to other parts of the world. Thanks to the wondrous health benefits of chia seeds, this superfood has gained immense popularity in the health and wellness industry.
Let us quickly run down through the nutritional values of chia seeds: –
- Chia seeds are rich sources of minerals and vitamins.
- It is an excellent dietary source of fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients.
- Almost 28 grams of chia seeds comprise approximately 137 calories, 4 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of fat, and 11 grams of fibre.
- Chia seeds are further known to possess a healthy amount of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Let us explore the powerful benefits of incorporating chia seeds into your regular diet:-
- Enhanced Digestion
Since chia seeds are an excellent source of fibre, it helps to maintain healthy and smooth digestion. High in dietary fibre, this superfood helps to regulate bowel movements, and prevent bacterial build-up in the gut while warding off constipation.
- Helps Weight Loss
Chia seeds are great for those trying to lose weight as they can make you feel full for a prolonged duration while satisfying your appetite. Surprisingly, chia seeds are comparatively low in calories but high in protein, and this is the reason for chia seeds being great for metabolism.
- Improves Heart Health
Chia seeds are an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids that helps in alleviating inflammation, bad cholesterol, and blood pressure. It is an excellent choice for those who want to improve their heart health.
- Excellent Source of Protein
Chia seeds are a wonderful source of plant-based protein. Hence, it is a great choice for all vegans or vegetarians. It has equal amount of protein that you can get from any meat or egg.
- Improves brain functioning
As mentioned earlier, chia seeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids (plant-based), around 28 gm of chia seeds have 5 grams of omega-3s, higher than a single serving of salmon. Chia seeds are known to boost brain functioning and mental health. Furthermore, it escalates memory function, focusing ability, and mood.
- Has Anti-cancer properties
Chia seeds have a higher amount of antioxidants that can help protect against free radicals in the body while reducing the chances of chronic diseases, including cancer. Antioxidants in this superfood help neutralize harmful molecules in the body while breaking down oxidative stress.
- Supports bone health
Chia seeds are a good source of calcium that can eventually strengthen and support teeth and bones. Almost 28 gm of chia seeds contains 18% of the daily required calcium intake, making this superfood a wise choice for vegans.
While there are gazillion ways of incorporating chia seeds into your daily diet, you can also take support of health supplements to support overall health. Consult your healthcare expert to understand which supplements can support your health based on your age and existing health concerns.
