When my mother introduced me to chia seeds, I was sceptical. I did not quite understand how seeds so small could have any significant effect on any human body. One year down the line, I am a believer in the benefits of chia seeds. They not only fixed my indigestion issues but I was wonderfully surprised by their other benefits. Some of these benefits include;
- Assist in loss of weight
Chia seeds are known to increase in size when placed in any solution. Ingesting of a substantial amount of these seeds can cheat your body into believing that you are full. They cut your cravings by introducing healthy fat into the body. Their water retention abilities also come in handy when you are interested in losing water weight.
- Lowering of cholesterol levels
These chia seeds have essential omega 3 fatty acids that are vital in lowering cholesterol levels, blood pressure and reducing chances of getting heart diseases.
- Keeping you hydrated
The ability of these chia seeds to hold water boosts the body’s water retention abilities. This keeps your body feeling hydrated and energetic. This goes a long way in reducing constipation and indigestion.
- Beneficial during pregnancies
When introduced into the diet of a pregnant mother, chia seeds assist in replenishing of nutrients which is vital for the mother’s health and baby development. Also due to their energy produced by your body, it helps to elevate energy levels. This can be of great assistance since some expectant mothers complain of fatigue.
- Slows skin ageing
With women on the search for products to give them that smooth natural glow, chia seeds are a must have. In a research carried out in Mexico, chia seeds were found to be one of nature’s richest high antioxidant foods. The Dr Axe website stated that they have a total concentration of natural phenolic (antioxidants). These antioxidants are known to speed up the skins repair systems and prevent further damage. This prevents premature skin aging due to inflammation.
- Improving digestive health
As I stated earlier, chia seeds have substantially reduced my indigestion issues. This is because they are super-high in fiber. According to the American Dietetic Association, one serving of chia seeds can provide the recommended fiber intake per day. This rich fiber benefits bowel regularity and production of healthy stool
- Help Treat Diabetes
In a study carried in the British Journal of Nutrition, it was found that chia seeds are rich in an alphaliolenic acid .This prevents metabolic disorders like dyslipidemia(excess fat in the body) and insulin resistance which are factors in the development of diabetes. The results proved that chia seeds not only had the ability to prevent diabetes, but also to reverse it.
- Formation of stronger bones
One ounce of chia seeds contains about the exact amount of recommended daily amount of calcium. This is fundamental in bone health and helps maintain strength and mass. It also contains boron which is also essential in bone development.
- Fight Breast and Cervical Cancer
The lipoic acid contained in chia seeds causes death of cancer cells without harming the normal healthy cells. Further research is recommended to see if it can be used to treat specific strains of cancer.
- Improvement of dental health
As stated earlier, chia seeds contain calcium which is an important nutrient in development of healthy teeth. They also contain vitamin A and zinc which prevents tartar by keeping plaque from mineralizing into your teeth.
How to Eat Chia Seeds – 3 Ways! | Chia Seeds Benefits
So if you are yet to incorporate chia seeds to your diet, now would be the time to do so. There is no need to miss out on this amazing benefits.
If you are into healthy living check out 11 Reasons You Should Be Using Coconut Oil.
