Chia seeds or Mexican chia are members of the mint family and are widely known for being rich in nutritional and medicinal content. Although it has a long history of being a staple food, it dramatically gained popularity and became a modern-day fad. That’s thanks to the people who have started to incorporate chia seeds into their diet.
Nutrition experts at Nody even say that people were able to see and experience firsthand the great benefits of Chia Seeds with just a small amount, hence referred to as a superfood. Despite being tiny, these seeds are surely one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. They’re packed with nutrients that have important benefits not just for our body but also for our brain.
Here are 4 reasons why you should incorporate chia seeds into your diet.
1. Chia seeds are the richest plant source of Omega-3s
A single generous serving of chia provides 100% of our daily requirement for omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are used to construct the 50 trillion cells that make up our bodies which makes them play a special role in brain function and nerve transmission. They also lower LDL or bad cholesterol. A steady abundance of omega-3 fats is of utmost importance, and chia seeds provide all of this. They are the plant equivalent of high-quality fish oil.
2. Chia seeds contain fiber
Chia seeds are high in soluble fiber content, which plays a vital role in keeping our digestive system healthy. They can absorb up to 10 – 12 times their weight in water which creates a gel-like consistency that is why they are a good replacement for eggs.
According to nutrition experts, the fiber that we can get from chia helps to reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar levels, reducing any risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, chia seeds can benefit people with various diseases and health issues like hypertension and even depression.
3. Chia seeds provide complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids
Because chia seeds are high in protein, they are thought to be very helpful to people who are aiming to lose weight. It will make you feel full, which means less snacking of unhealthy foods. It’s an excellent protein source, especially for people who eat so little or no animal products at all.
4. A good source of antioxidants
Chia seeds contain a substance called quercetin which is an antioxidant that can reduce the risk of developing several health conditions. It helps fight free radicals in our body and reduces any health issues associated with it, including heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. These antioxidants found in chia seeds also protect the sensitive fats in the seeds from rotting, protecting the nutrients and giving the chia seeds a long shelf life.
These are just a few of the many reasons why you should add chia seeds to your diet. Chia seeds aren’t just rich in nutrients but are also very easy to prepare. You can add them to your smoothies, soup, porridge, or just your lemon water. It’s all up to you.
