What are the Health Benefits of Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds are small, nutrient-dense seeds that come from the flowering plant salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family, native to Central and South America.

As vegetarian and vegan lifestyles started to become popular in the early 2000’s, they started to take the nutrition world by storm, being recognised by dieticians and nutritionalists as a good source for plant based protein.

The unique texture of the seed makes it easily digestible and is often used as an ingredient in recipes for breakfast bowls, smoothies, baked goods, salads and more. Additionally, ground chia seeds or chia gel can be used as an egg substitute in vegan recipes or to thicken sauces and dressings.

Chia seeds are an excellent source of nutrition, containing a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals.

This vegan superfood is abundant in:

• fibre
• protein
• healthy fatty acids like omega-3
• antioxidants
• plant sterols.

Additionally, they contain a significant amount of calcium and magnesium – two important minerals that play a role in maintaining good teeth and bone health.

As the body cannot produce calcium on its own and has to be obtained through diet, a single teaspoon of chia seeds can go a long way, supplying approx 20% of your recommended daily intake.

Furthermore, they are relatively low in fat and natural sugar when compared to other health foods and can be added to all sorts of meals for an extra boost in flavor and nutrients.

Chia seeds are high in fibre and protein, which work together to promote weight loss and regulate metabolism.

Fibre helps to keep you full for longer, resulting in less snacking or overeating and also binds to toxins, helping to rid the body of any built-up waste.

Protein, on the other hand, helps your body repair and grow muscle, aiding in fat burning and maintaining a healthy weight.

Additionally, chia seeds contain a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to reduce inflammation caused by obesity and improve metabolism.

Finally, they are very low in calories compared to other grains and nuts, so adding them into your diet can still provide many health benefits without the added calories that come with other food sources.

All these factors combined make eating chia seeds quite an ideal choice for those looking to lose weight or regulate their metabolism, while still getting all the nutrients they need!

It is generally safe to eat chia seeds everyday. The recommended daily intake of dried chia seeds is between 1-2 tablespoons, though you can adjust this depending on your individual needs and goals.

Please note however, that eating too many chia seeds can cause gastrointestinal issues such as bloating or constipation. So start slowly and adjust the daily quantity according to your body’s reaction. Also, make sure you either soak them in water &/or consume enough water alongside to reduce the chances of any negative side effects.

In addition to the potential weight loss benefits, consuming chia seeds has also been linked to several heart health benefits.

The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and protein contained in chia seeds all work together to help keep cholesterol levels low, reduce the risk of stroke, and help with overall cardiovascular health.

Studies have shown that the omega-3 fatty acids in chia can help reduce inflammation and lower bad cholesterol levels which are both linked to high blood pressure.

The soluble fibre found in chia helps bind to bile acids which can help reduce high triglyceride levels, another factor connected with hypertension.

Chia seeds also contain antioxidant compounds that can reduce damage done by free radicals in the body. Additionally, they are a great source of fiber which helps to flush out toxins and excess cholesterol from the body.

All these factors combine to make Chia an ideal choice for maintaining a healthy heart

Chia seeds can be an excellent way to help regulate blood sugar levels. The high fibre content in the seed binds with sugar molecules and helps slow down its absorption in the bloodstream. This reduces the amount of sugar that is available for energy which can help prevent blood sugar spikes.

Chia seeds are a great aid to digestion. Their high fibre content helps to bind with toxins and waste materials, helping them move through the digestive system more quickly. This can reduce the risk of constipation and other digestive discomfort.

Additionally, using whole chia seeds has been shown to help stimulate the growth of healthy probiotic bacteria in the gut, leading to improved nutrient absorption and better overall digestive health.

Chia also helps keep you feeling full for longer which can prevent overeating and its associated digestion problems. Consuming these nutritious seeds regularly is a great way to maintain regularity and support your overall digestive health.

Chia seeds are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that help support healthy skin and hair. Their antioxidant properties boost collagen production and protect against free radical damage, while their anti-inflammatory compounds help reduce inflammation in the skin.

Chia seeds are well known for being a complete vegan protein source, meaning that they contain all the essential amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone looking to get more plant-based protein in their diet – especially for vegans and vegetarians.

Aside from its complete protein content, chia also contains high levels of dietary fiber, and omega-3s, making it a great source of energy throughout the day.

Chia seeds can be a great addition to your daily diet; offering multiple health benefits without the added calories that come with other food sources. So pop a packet in your shopping basket next time you do your weekly or monthly shop and try out a recipe or two!