For the past few years, many people have been diverting to healthier habits and options, both in terms of exercise and their diet. People are now slowly turning their heads to various healthier eating regimens like vegan and gluten-free diets, ketogenic diets, or maybe just a simple balanced meat and vegetable intake. Whatever meal plan they are following, most people now seem to have one goal: to stay healthy.
One of the most trending and healthy foods on the planet is chia seeds. Chia seeds are known to possess healthy nutrients that the brain and the body need. It is also a popular seed that is associated with weight loss. If you're not familiar with chia seeds and its benefits, here are six health benefits that chia seeds offer.
1. Chia Seeds Offer Massive Nutrients With Fewer Calories
Chia seeds are collected from a plant called Salvia hispanica, which is also under the family of mints. Many of the Aztecs and Mayans in history consider chia seeds as their staple food. They use chia seeds in almost all of their meals.
The seeds are known for their source of energy. Thus, the Mayans called the seeds "chia," which is also a Mayan word for "strength." Through the years, many people have discovered the powers of chia seeds, making it one of the modern-day superfoods in the whole world. Although the seeds are super tiny, each ounce of chia seeds has about 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
2. Chia Seeds Are a Fantastic Antioxidant
Another reason why chia seeds are so popular is that it contains high antioxidant content. The antioxidants found in the seeds have sensitive fats, and it offers excellent and positive health benefits. Taking a dose of chia seeds a day can fight off cell damage, aging, and diseases such as cancer.
3. Chia Seeds Are High in Fiber and Carbohydrates.
An ounce of chia seeds has about 12 grams of carbs, but about 11 are fiber, which our bodies cannot digest.
Since the seeds have high soluble fiber content, they can absorb up to 12 times their average weight when mixed in water, thus expanding in your stomach. The slow absorption of food in your body will reduce your chance of eating more calories a day.
4. Chia seeds will help you lose weight.
Doctors and dieticians believe that the regular intake of chia seeds is a great to lose weight. The soluble fiber content can absorb a lot of water, and since it expands in your stomach, your body will slowly absorb food at a slower rate. Chia seeds also have glucomannan, a well-known dietary sugar that is used as an ingredient in weight loss supplements.
5. Chia seeds reduce the risk of heart diseases.
The seeds are high in fiber, omega-3s, and proteins, which also fight off the risk of heart diseases. Taking a dose of chia seeds regularly can reduce and maintain blood pressure, especially to people who have hypertension.
6. Chia seeds can lower blood sugar levels.
Most of the time, heart diseases are also associated with high blood sugar levels. Chia seeds are known to improve insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar effectively. Even after meals, chia seeds will normalize one's blood sugar levels.
If you're looking for an excellent way to start your healthy lifestyle and diet, chia seeds are one of the best options, to begin with. Given its high nutrient content, you will be able to achieve a healthy life in no time.
ALSO READ: Fiber Whys and Hows-- Plus 40 High-Fiber Foods
