Chia seeds come from a flowering plant in the mint family that’s native to Mexico and Guatemala, and history suggests it was a very important food crop for the Aztecs. While it is still a stable in many central American diets, North America is just now starting to recognize its health benefits as a superfood – we even posted a recent recipe for Vanilla Coconut Chia Pudding. Here are our favorite Chia health benefits from these seeds in your diet:
- Packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Chia seeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids, with nearly 5 grams in a one-ounce serving. These fats are important for brain health in addition to other health benefits we listed here. Sprinkle some chia seeds and flax seeds into your oatmeal and yogurt for a double punch of omega-3.
- Lower Blood Sugar Levels: Chia’s gelatinous coating that appears when exposed to liquids slows down digestion and can prevent blood sugar spikes. For this reasons, chia seeds are a potential natural treatment for type-2.
- Full of Fibre: Just a 28 gram/ one-ounce serving of chia has 11 grams of dietary fibre — which is one third of the recommended daily intake for adults. Fibre is not only important for digestive health but also makes you feel fuller, longer.
- Contains Calcium and Manganese: One ounce contains 18% of the daily recommended value of calcium and 30% of manganese – two minerals which keeps teeth and bones strong.
- Help your Body Repair Itself: One ounce contains 28% of needed daily Phosphorous which is essential in body tissue and muscle repair. It is also good for your teeth and bones.
- Hydration for Athletes: The “chia gel” can hydrate the body.
- Feel Fuller Longer: This is because chia seeds can absorb 10 times their weight in water, making you feel full.
- Good for the Heart: According to the Cleveland Clinic, chia seeds have been shown to improve blood pressure in diabetics, and may also increase healthy cholesterol while lowering total, LDL, and triglyceride cholesterol.
