Spanish sage is an annual plant with long, broad leaves and purple or white flowers. It comes from Mexico and Guatemala, where it is also grown next to Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Australia. Its fruits contain numerous, oval seeds with a speckled surface in brown, grey, black and white. It is these seeds, the so-called chia seeds, that are known and valued for their unique nutritional and health properties.
What is their secret? Chia seeds are extremely rich in omega-3 fatty acids, their concentration is about 64%, they also contain 20% protein, 34% fat, 25% dietary fiber. They have high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and antioxidants. However, they are completely gluten-free and have trace amounts of sodium.
Check what chia seeds can help you with and why you should use them:
- For memory and concentrationOmega-3 fatty acids are very useful in relation to the work of the human brain. They help in learning, remembering, positively affect the concentration and abilities of our mind. For this reason, the seeds of Spanish sage will be excellent primarily for students, students and people engaged in all kinds of so-called. mental work.
- Supportive in case of depressionAlso thanks to omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds support the nervous system. They are associated with mood disorders, have a calming effect and alleviate the symptoms of depression.
- Great for seniorsAnd again, thanks to omega-3 acids, Spanish sage contributes to the prevention of the development of senile dementia, alleviates the effects of aging, such as vision deterioration or macular degeneration in the eye.
- In the prevention of breast cancerThe ALA acid, i.e. alpha-linolenic acid, contained in the seeds reduces the risk of breast cancer, and together with the fiber and zinc present in sage, they prevent cancer in general and help in the fight against them. Important! It is assumed that while ALA prevents breast cancer in women, it minimally increases the risk of prostate cancer in men.
- For digestive ailmentsFiber matters here. It stimulates the work of the intestines, while supporting the digestive process. Prevents constipation, contributes to the development of bacterial flora. But beware! Spanish sage should not be used directly in intestinal inflammation and diseases of the digestive tract.
- Preventively against heart disease and high blood pressureOmega-3 fatty acids and fiber eliminate bad cholesterol and triglycerides from the body, and increase good cholesterol. Thanks to this, they protect us from atherosclerosis and heart diseases. Potassium, in turn, regulates blood pressure.
- Good for diabeticsChia seeds have an effect similar to whole grain products: they slow down the release of glucose and lower blood cholesterol levels.
- For slimmingChia seeds swell when exposed to water. Eaten in this way, they fill the stomach, causing a feeling of satiety.
- For strong bonesWe owe this to the large amount of calcium in chia seeds and the presence of phosphorus.