8 chia seed health benefits that’ll have you running to add some to your next salad or baked dish.
Chia seeds are one of the most popular health foods on the planet these days. You can find them in smoothies, protein shakes, juices, yoghurts, and even in trail mixes or granola bars. Thanks to their incredibly high protein and fiber content, they’re one of the best of the seeds.
Here are a few of the chia seed health benefits to help you see why you need more of this amazing food:
- They’re loaded with energy — Did you know that the Mayan Indians of Central America used the seeds to run for hours or travel for days? The word “chia” is actually Mayan for “strength”, and the little seeds will live up to their name! They’ll help your body produce a lot of energy, but without adding too many calories to your diet.
- They’re high-fiber, low-carb — Carbohydrates are needed by your body to produce energy, but too many carbs with not enough fiber can lead to blood sugar spikes. Thankfully, chia seeds contain almost as many grams of fiber as carbs, so the glycemic load of these seeds is VERY low. The fiber in the seeds will improve gut health, reduce hunger, and boost digestion.
- They’re nutrient-rich — You’d be amazed by all the nutrients you get from a single ounce of chia seeds. First off, there’s 11 grams of gut-busting fiber, 4 grams of muscle-building protein, and 5 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids. You also get a lot of calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and B vitamins–all of which combine to make this one heck of a healthy food!
- They’re great for building muscle — If you’re trying to get healthy, building more muscle is the key to burning more fat. Chia seeds contain 4 grams of protein per ounce, which is a lot considering that they come from plants. Adding more chia into your life can increase the effectiveness of your workouts, helping you to gain more muscle mass and burn more fat.
READ MORE: 10 Reasons to Eat (or Drink) Chia Seeds
- They’re packed with antioxidants — Who doesn’t want more antioxidants in their life? Chia seeds are rich in fatty acids that will help to reduce free radical damage in your body, and which will protect your cells from carcinogens. You’ll find that chia seeds are an excellent anti-aging food!
- They’re great for your heart –– Not only are chia seeds high in fiber, but they’re also an amazing source of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids will reduce inflammation in the heart, improve your circulation, and strengthen your heart muscles. Plus, the fiber will reduce cholesterol and toxins in your bloodstream, lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- They’re great for weight loss –– Chia seeds contain glucomannan, a form of fiber that helps to reduce your appetite and help you feel full more quickly. While they won’t actually make you lose weight, you can eat A LOT of them and fill up without consuming too many calories.
- They’re great at preventing disease — Not only are chia seeds packed with antioxidants, but the high fiber content of the seeds will do wonders to reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. By reducing cholesterol levels, eliminating toxins, and preventing rapid sugar absorption, the fiber in the seeds will keep your heart beating and your metabolism firing away. Chia seeds may even be able to help boost your “good” HDL cholesterol levels, which is the best way to get the bad LDL cholesterol under control!
Resources: http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/
