It was the Aztecs and Mayans who outlined the importance of chia seeds first, however, the modern world has only recently recognized these seeds as a superfood. These tiny seeds are very rich in nutrients and, thanks to their neutral flavor, they can be potentially added to any recipe.
We, at Bright Side, try to stick to a healthy diet, which is why we decided to shed some light on these magical seeds and find out what benefits they bring to our bodies.
1. They promote better bone health.
Chia seeds are rich in various minerals that are known for their role in bone health, and calcium in particular. 25 g of chia contains 157 mg of calcium, which is more than the amount of calcium 100 ml of milk.
2. They keep your teeth healthy.
It’s the calcium that plays the main role and helps bones stay strong that
sustain good dental health. Moreover, being a fundamental nutrient, the boron contained in chia promotes metabolizing magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese for the growth of strong teeth.
3. They reduce the risk of diabetes.
4. They help prevent constipation.
Chia seeds are
rich in fiber, which contributes to improving digestion. Moreover, thanks to the insoluble fiber that chia seeds contain, they become a gel when they come into contact with water. This substance improves the bowel movement, thus, preventing constipation.
5. They boost metabolism.
Being high in vitamin B, chia seeds
help in speeding up metabolism. Moreover, being rich in omega-6, they help the body absorb various fat-soluble vitamins that contribute to weight loss.
6. They help improve sleep.
Serotonin and melatonin are 2 hormones that are
responsible for good sleep. They are produced by tryptophan (an amino acid) and since chia seeds contain tryptophan, they promote better sleep and relaxation.
7. They sustain heart health.
The Omega-3s and Omega-6 that chia seeds contain lower blood cholesterol,
decrease inflammation, and reduce blood pressure. All of these things contribute to and help sustain heart health.
8. They boost your energy.
B vitamins, iron, zinc, and magnesium are the
things in chia seeds that help boost your energy. Just add these seeds to your favorite smoothie to enjoy a day full of energy.
9. They slow down aging.
Being high in antioxidants, chia seeds
help repair the skin faster as well as inhibit any damage. Other than that, the vitamin E that they contain contributes to the slowing down of aging.
10. They stimulate weight loss.
It’s the same fiber in chia seeds that
gives people the feeling of satiety for a long time. This helps in decreasing the appetite and with weight loss. In addition, these seeds expand when they absorb water, which contributes to a decrease in the appetite. Just add 1 or 2 tablespoons of raw chia seeds to a glass of water, stir well, and drink them quickly. Chia seeds are also capable of burning belly fat.
Are you going to start eating chia seeds after reading this article? What are some other superfoods you are aware of that bring as many health benefits as chia?
