Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses packed with nutrients, and thanks to their incredible surge in popularity, they are now sold in many grocery stores. Their availability has led to them being added to everything from salad dressings, energy drinks, to chocolate bars and puddings. And, perhaps, already enjoying your serving of ch-ch-ch-chia, you don’t even know why these small seeds are so beneficial to health. Chia seeds have been known since 3500 BC, when the Aztec warriors first began to consume them to recharge their batteries and be more resilient. By the way, the word “chia” in the Mayan language means “strength”. In those days, these seeds were also used for medicinal purposes and as currency. The good news is that you don’t have to be an Aztec warrior to reap all the benefits of chia seeds. Many studies have been conducted proving their usefulness and effectiveness in solving many health issues. Here are five of my favorite aspects: 1. Healthy digestive system Chia seeds are high in fiber, so it’s no wonder they’re so good for digestive health. One ounce (28g) of chia seeds contains almost 11g of fiber, which means that just one serving of this superfood provides more than one-third of the daily fiber intake recommended by the American Dietetic Association. And since high-fiber foods promote good digestion, they also prevent intestinal dysfunction.
2. High energy level We are all looking for a natural source of energy: those who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, or adrenal fatigue, and those who simply want to replenish the energy spent during a stormy night in order to effectively spend the next day. After all, it is no coincidence that the Aztec warriors ate chia seeds! In addition, they were so sure that these seeds were energizing that they even attributed to them the ability to endow a person with supernatural abilities. Thousands of years later, a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning found that chia seeds improved physical performance. The scientists concluded that chia seeds give athletes the same 90-minute workout benefits as regular sports drinks, only they don’t contain all those harmful sugars. 3. Healthy heart Chia seeds are high in healthy fats, offering even more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon. Why is it so important? According to the Cleveland Clinic, the healthy fats in chia seeds can lower LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglyceride levels in the blood, as well as increase HDL (“good” cholesterol). In addition, chia seeds normalize blood pressure and relieve inflammation.
4. Снижение весР° In addition to boosting energy levels, chia seeds are also a natural metabolic booster, which is very important for those who want to lose a couple (or more) pounds. Also, the fact that chia seeds are one of the best plant sources of protein means that your body will get all the necessary substances for muscle growth and fat burning. Chia seeds are very good at absorbing water (they swell a lot in water), which slows down the digestion process and allows you to not feel hungry and thirsty for longer. (But don’t overdo it!) Just by adding chia seeds to your diet, drink plenty of water so that your digestion doesn’t slow down too much and become constipated. Lastly, chia seeds are rich in antioxidants and essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and more, so they can help your body replenish the many nutrients lost during exercise.
5. Healthy bones and teeth Since chia seeds are a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals, and given that nearly 99% of the body’s calcium is found in bones and teeth, it’s clear why these seeds are invaluable for bone and dental health. One ounce (28 g) of chia seeds contains 18% of the recommended daily intake of calcium, and their zinc content helps prevent tartar formation and eliminates bad breath.
Source: Translation: Lakshmi