Chia also known as Salvia hispanica is a flowering plant local to Central and South America. It was first cultivated at the time of the Aztecs, who used the seeds as a powerful source of energy and protein. Chia is a superb source of natural omega 3 fatty acids, fibers, minerals like calcium, magnesium, and manganese and copper. Other than it works as an incredible weight loss food that helps in lowering belly fat and getting toned, flat abs. Historian says that Mayan and Aztec warriors used chia as a source of stamina and power. There are numerous health benefits of chia seeds, but in this article we have mentioned the important ones. Read the article to know the health benefits of chia seeds.
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Health Benefits of Chia Seeds:
1.) Chia Seeds to Control Blood Pressure
Chia seeds contain a good amount of polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. These fats help in protecting the cardiovascular health by reducing triglyceride levels, lowering plaque development and controlling high blood pressure. Fibers, proteins and omega-3 fatty acids present in chia seeds help in increasing the immunity of the system, nervous system and improve metabolic health.
2.) Chia Seeds as a Rich Source of Fiber
Chia seed is the best sources of fiber in the world and about 50% of its power is from fiber that makes it one of the healthiest foods for those trying to lose weight. It is low in carbohydrates and the fibers soak up a lot of water in the stomach to form a gel like substance that takes time to absorb thus keeping us satisfied for longer. The fibers also help in keeping the digestive system fit by promoting proper metabolism and supports the healthy bacteria that helps in digestion.
3.) Chia Seeds Help Increase Stamina
Research has proved that chia seeds helps in increasing the immunity of the body and stamina for a more exhausting session of exercise. In most cases it works more successfully than usual health drinks and health supplements. So, chia is a power food that can be taken before a powerful workout session. Those who do regular exercise for losing weight should take a few grams of chia seeds in their diet regularly. It is one of the greatest health benefits of chia seeds.
4.) Chia Seeds as a Good Source of Minerals
Chia is not only a good source of calcium that helps in strengthening bones, but filled with other beneficial minerals like manganese, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium and copper. Though manganese helps in improving bone health and stimulates restoration of red blood cells, phosphorus is required by the body to form DNA and storing power. Selenium avoids skin infections and cures dandruff, magnesium and copper helps in proper functioning of nerves.
5.) Chia Seeds to Improve Immunity
The high content of antioxidants in chia seeds helps in storing the healthy fats present in the seeds and helps in improving the cells damaged by harmful free radicals. It improves the functioning of the immune system and shields the body against cancer, chronic diseases, and premature aging.
6.) Chia Seeds to Protect Heart
Chia seeds are known for reducing triglycerides and bad cholesterol LDL and raise the level of HDL or the good cholesterol. It also helps in keeping blood pressure under control, lowers insulin resistance, swelling of arteries and removes belly fat that works completely towards maintaining a healthy heart and stopping strokes and heart attack.
7.) Chia Seeds Help to Lose Weight
The high content of fibers in chia absorbs a good amount of water and expands in the stomach taking up a sticky gel like texture and keeps us satisfied for longer and reduces intake of calories. The proteins found in chia seeds also help in lowering craving and food intake, creating it an ideal addition to any weight loss diet. So, add chia seeds to your daily diet if you are trying to lose weight.
8.) Chia Seeds to Make Bones Strong
Being a good source of various minerals such as iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and especially calcium. If taken daily it will help in making bones strong and improving overall health in both children and adults. It also helps in lowering the risk of osteoporosis in older people. Calcium also helps in blood clotting and proper working of muscles and nerves. To get strong bones without any supplements eat a spoon of chia seeds regularly.
9.) Chia Seeds Helps to Control Diabetes
Chia seeds work as a potential natural cure for Type-2 Diabetes. It helps in controlling the insulin level in the body by reducing insulin resistance. The high fiber present in chia seeds slows down the body’s natural method of breaking down carbohydrates and converting them into sugar, thus preventing blood sugar from increase up after a meal. It also slows down and prevents the swelling caused by Type-2 Diabetes.
10.) Chia Seeds as a Good Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chia seeds are one of the best source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, mainly ALA and EPA perfect for vegans. It has many health benefiting aspects like increasing brain functioning and lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia, reducing swelling and cholesterol, relieving joint pains, stiffness and arthritis. In addition, it also works as a successful anti-depressant and helps in reducing depression and risks of bipolar disorder.
11.) Chia Seeds to Improve Dental Health
There are numerous health benefits of chia seeds, but it is one of the best. Chia seeds being loaded with zinc, calcium, vitamin A and phosphorus, it’s no doubt that they are a top thing to help your teeth. Calcium is necessary for tooth health and the building block of your teeth. Zinc prevents yellowish color by keeping plaque from gathering onto your teeth. It also has antibacterial property that keeps bad breath away from your mouth. Phosphorus and vitamin A is also important for getting strong teeth and a healthy gums.
12.) Chia Seeds Fights Cancer
Chia seeds are a good source of alpha lineic acid that is an Omega-3 fatty acid. In a research, it has been found that ALA stops the growth of cancer cells in both cervical and breast cancers. They also claimed that it caused the death of the cancer cells without affecting the normal healthy cells. Still the research is going on to find out the deeper effects of ALA on different types of cancer. It is great for women have these increasingly types of cancer. Taking costly medical treatments for cancer should be avoided in the initial stages. Since there are numerous benefits of chia seeds but for cancer patients it is one of the best.