Although they haven’t been apart of the mainstream health craze for long, chia seeds have long been considered one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Chia seeds were a staple among certain ancient civilizations, mainly the Aztec of Central America where chia is thought to have originated. The benefits of chia seeds are vast, and can aid your body from head to toe. But just how amazing is this superfood? Here are the top 6 benefits of chia seeds.
Little Calories, A lot of Nutrients
Many nutrient-dense foods are also high in calories, making them great in some ways but counterproductive to weight loss goals if overly consumed. Chia is a great option for those seeking to lose weight but maintain nutritional intake because chia seeds are so low in calories. They are packed with fiber, protein, calcium, healthy fats and more.
High in Protein
Many plants require you to consume large portions if you want to achieve high protein intake. Chia is a great source of protein, with 14% of a portion of chia seeds made up of protein. High protein is also great for weight loss because it can reduce appetite, and potentially reduce subconscious obsessive thinking about food, as well as the urge to snack at night.
Substantial Omega-3 Content
Many people immediately turn to foods like fish to find their Omega-3 fatty acids. But would you believe that the same weight of chia seeds contain more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon? This is what makes chia a leading superfood for consuming healthy fats.
Lowered Heart Disease Risk
While the results are not totally conclusive, some studies have shown that consuming chia seeds can lower the risk of heart disease. This is due to their high content of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Testing has shown that there may be the possibility for lowered inflammation, insulin resistance, and fat around the midsection.
Great for Bone Health
The high content of calcium, protein, magnesium and calcium in chia seeds makes this superfood a great proponent of bone health. The calcium content is around 18% in chia seeds, which is actually more than most typical dairy products on the market. This makes chia a great option for those on a plant-based diet, who are looking to strengthen bone health– with a higher calcium content than most dairy, it could be beneficial to dairy lovers as well.
Easy to Use
Many health trends can be hard to incorporate into your diet if you aren’t that familiar with healthy eating. But what makes chia such a popular health food is it’s versatility and easy of use for the average person. Anyone can begin using chia in their diets– it’s as simple as adding chia to your oatmeal or porridge, smoothies and drinks, yogurt, or even baking them into your bread, treats, or any other meal. They are pretty tasteless, but add a hearty texture, so they go well with just about any recipe or home-cooked concoction you can come up with.