Chia seeds come from a flowering plant in the mint family that’s native to Mexico and Guatemala, and history recommends it was a very imperative food crop for the Aztecs. Chia seeds remained in regular use in their native countries but were largely anonymous in North America until expert Wayne Coates started studying chia as an alternative crop for farmers in northern Argentina about 29 years ago.
Coates began his research on chia in 1991, and since then has become a supporter of the petite seed’s health benefits. However; the human trials are limited as is often the case with food research, but the anecdotal evidence of chia’s positive health effects include improving energy, stabilizing blood sugar, aiding digestion, and dropping cholesterol.
The tiny chia seed which comes in either white or a dark brown and black color also has a vast nutritional profile. It comprises calcium, manganese, and phosphorus, and is a rich source of healthy omega-3 fats. Moreover, as an added benefit, chia seeds can be eaten whole or milled, while flax seeds have to be ground before consumption in order to access their health benefits for example.
Ten Reasons to Add Chia Seeds to Your Diet
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Chia Seeds are being studied as a potential natural treatment for two types of diabetes because of their capability to sluggish down digestion. The gelatinous coating chia seeds develop when exposed to liquids can also prevent blood sugar spikes.
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Well, you know just a 28gram or one-ounce serving of chia has 11 grams of dietary fiber about a third of the suggested daily intake for adults. Adding some chia seeds to you’re diet is an easy way to make sure you’re getting a good amount of fiber, which is imperative for digestive health.
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Chia seeds are packed with omega3 fatty acids, with roughly five grams in a one-ounce serving. These fats are vital for brain health. They’re being the better conversion of omega 3s into the plasma or into the food than with flax seed,” said researcher Wayne Coates.
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Chia Seeds get stronger you’re teeth and bones, and a serving of chia seeds has 18 % of the suggested daily intake for calcium, which puts you well on your way to keeping bone and oral health and preventing osteoporosis.
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Manganese isn’t a well-known nutrient, but it is very vital for our health, as it is very good for your bones and reliefs your body use other indispensable nutrients like biotin and thiamin. Therefore one serving of chia seeds, or 28 grams, has 30 percent of you’re recommended intake of this mineral.
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With 27 percent of you’re daily value for phosphorus, chia seeds also help you maintain healthy bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also used by the body to synthesize protein for cell and tissue growth and repair.
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Chia seeds also make a great source of protein for vegetarians and don’t have any cholesterol. One 28gram serving of these super seeds has 4.4 grams of protein, nearly 10 percent of the daily value.
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Chia’s stabilizing effect on blood sugar also fights insulin resistance which can be tied to an increase in belly fat, according to Live Strong. This type of resistance can also be harmful to your overall health.
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Tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey, is also found in chia seeds. While tryptophan is responsible for that strong urge to nap after a big Thanksgiving dinner, for example, it also helps standardize appetite, sleep and improve mood.
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, chia seeds are really helpful in improving the health of the heart, have been shown to improve blood pressure in diabetics, and may also support healthy cholesterol while lowering total, LDL, and triglyceride cholesterol. All good news for you is ticker!
Also Read: Super Foods that Build Body’s Resistance
Chia seeds remained in regular use in their native countries but were largely anonymous in North America.
