One of the most nutritional edible seeds available, chia seeds are among, the healthiest superfood on the planet. They have officially transitioned from trendy to mainstream.
You'll find them stocked in regular supermarkets and added to lots of items from fruit drinks and energy bars to cereals and even tortilla chips. These seeds are nutrients powerhouse which have amazing benefits for your body from lowering blood pressure, making you feel full for longer, reducing stress, strengthening bones to improving skin health and more.
1. Prevent constipation:- Chia seeds provide about 50% of the avarage dietary fiber requirement in just a 1/4 cup serving. Fiber offers a host of benefits, especially when it comes to digestive health. Two form of fiber are found in these seeds,the type that mixes with water called soluble fiber and the other one, called insoluble fiber. This combination means that chia seeds help soften stool and also add bulk, making it easier and faster to pass. Just be sure to increase your intake of fiber slowly and drink of water as your body adjusts to this positive change.
2. Lowers blood pressure:- Chia seeds consists of important components like fiber,omega-3 and antioxidants polyphenols. All of these have a beneficial effect on the liver and circulation that can lower blood pressure. It also contains Alpha-linolenic acid or (ALA) which is know to block the formation of blood pressure increasing compounds in your body. They also contain fiber,lignans, antioxidants, magnesium, calcium and potassium which provide great protection against high blood pressure. Chia seeds are also said to reduce the levels of nitrites in the blood,which leads to lower blood pressure.
3.Helps you feel fuller for longer:- Chia seeds help control weight gain by fighting the tendency to overheat. They are hydrophilic, meaning that they can take in 12 times their weight in water. When you mix chia seeds with water it expands and become a gelatinous substance. Having this chia gel in your food makes you feel full for a longer period of time, even though you may not eaten a lot. It is important to keep drinking enough water after eating chia seeds. This will enable them to move through the digestive track easily.
4.Great alternative for vegans:- When people are switching to veganism their most important concern is protein and calcium. The good news is that chia seeds have more calcium per ounce than many other dairy products. Eating chia seeds regularly in place of meat means that you won't miss out on anything neither the nutrition nor the taste. These versatile seeds can also replace eggs in baking because of their gel like consistency. Here's how. For 1 whole egg, mix 1 tablespoons of whole seeds for 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water. Allow to sit for atleast 5 minutes until the mixture thickens to the consistency of a raw egg. You can make some extra chia gel, put it in a jar and refrigerate it for later use for up to one week. Chia seeds are gulten free, they can make a healthier alternative to processed grains for the same reason, they are great for people with gulten allergies. Their nutritional value makes them an attractive addition to less healthy food items like cakes and muffins.
5. Coffeine free source of energy:- Being dehydrated can tyre you out add a teaspoon of chia seeds into your water bottle, wait five minutes for the seeds to soak up the water, then sip it all down. They will give you stable energy because they have a balanced ratio of protein fats and fiber. This means they won't cause peaks and valleys in blood sugar.
Eat chia seeds daily and stay healthy.
