We’ve seen a lot of superfoods gain traction these past few months, from buckwheat and lemongrass, to quinoa and more. But if there’s one ingredient that’s more than a passing trend, it’s chia seeds. In fact, its benefits have been rooted in the millennia-history of the ancient Aztec diet—a way of eating that’s widely known for healthy weight loss, increased energy, and fewer hunger pangs.
Whether it’s providing a fibre boost or controlling your blood sugar levels, here are five reasons why you should be adding chia seeds into your diet.
1) High in antioxidants
Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, specifically selenium, kaempferol, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid, which all have varying anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Selenium and kaempferol prevent the skin from ageing, as they’re responsible for reducing the production of free radicals. On the other hand, quercetin and chlorogenic acid focus more on the regulation of blood flow, so they’re good for preventing heart disease. Chia seeds are even better with blueberry, another ingredient rich in antioxidants, which makes them great for desserts.
2) Excellent source of omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential component to maintaining good heart, brain, and eye health—and it just so happens that Chia seeds are naturally high in them. True enough, Pretty Me’s article on the benefits of chia seeds informs that this superfood is chockfull of omega-3 fatty acids—even more than salmon when you compare them gram-per-gram. The average person only needs a minimum of 500mg of omega-3 every day, so you’ll get the benefit of chia seeds even when you merely use them for snacks.
3) Loaded with protein
If you’re looking to up your protein content, then you’d be glad to know that you can get your protein fix by consuming chia seeds. Honestly Fit reveals that there’s at least 4g of protein per 2 tablespoons of chia seeds—almost as much as eggs! Just remember to eat fewer chia seeds during dinnertime, as the research we’ve outlined on ‘How to Maintain Body Weight’ finds that heavy amounts of protein taken before you sleep take longer to digest.
4) Packed with fibre
Speaking of weight loss, almost all of the carbs in chia seeds are made out of fibre. This means that they can help you stay full longer, so you’re not compelled to eat as much. Additionally, fibre is also good for controlling your blood sugar levels, which helps in lowering your risk of diabetes.
5) More calcium than dairy
Your body needs calcium to maintain strong bones, which chia seeds can provide. A report on Medical News Today finds that 2 tablespoons of chia seeds provide 179 mg of calcium, making it more than a glass of milk. As such, it’s no surprise to see them being used as a substitute for milk products like heavy cream, making them a fairly common ingredient for healthy baking.
Every superfood will have its health benefits. But the thing that makes chia seeds stand out is in the sheer number of ways they can be introduced to your diet. From turning them into pudding and baking them into cakes, to tossing them into your salad and making them into smoothies, you’ll find that you can easily get creative with chia seeds!
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Chia seeds are great :D I’ll for sure add it in my diet.
I am yet to inculcate chia seeds in my diet
I will sure to add Chia Seeds in my diet Diet
I know its beneficial but this much, its awesome. My mom use them most of the time and I was like why every-time. Now I am gonna say to mom put some extra in my bowl. :-) :ThankYou:
I am the only one who was unaware of chia seeds and their huge health benefits. I am definitely gonna add it to my diet.