The little black seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant are known as chia seeds. Even though Native Americans have eaten them for thousands of years, their remarkable nutritional profile and possible health advantages have just recently brought them into the mainstream in the United States.
In addition to its high nutritional density, eating chia seeds may help keep your blood sugar in check, your digestive system strong, and your heart healthy. Find out how chia seeds may improve your health.
1. Supplies Complete Protein and Dietary Fibres
According to Harvard Health, chia seeds provide all nine of the body’s required amino acids, making them a complete protein. The dietary fibre in chia seeds might make you feel full faster, so you won’t crave as much between meals, says the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This allows you to control your caloric intake all day long.
2. Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Chia seeds provide a lot of fibre. Research suggests that fibre may improve blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance, which in turn lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, chia seed bread helps reduce high blood sugar levels because it causes a lower blood sugar response compared to regular bread, according to research.
3. Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
For optimal cardiovascular health, omega-3 fatty acids are among the top fats. Interestingly, omega-3s have been shown to potentially cut triglycerides and decrease the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition to lowering the risk of cardiovascular events, chia seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid, a particular form of omega-3. Increasing your daily consumption of alpha-linolenic acid may help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by 10%, according to research. It lowers blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides and helps relieve.
4. Supplies Bone Nutrients
Chia seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which are essential for strong bones. Sufficient intake of these nutrients is crucial for maintaining healthy bone mineral density, according to several studies. Furthermore, chia seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid, which may have an effect on bone health. So, it’s reasonable to assume that consuming chia seeds regularly may aid in bone density maintenance.
5. Reduce Inflammation
Difficulties may arise because of persistent inflammation. The Harvard Medical School reports that many chronic illnesses, including diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and others, are linked to low-grade, chronic inflammation, which is sometimes referred to as a silent killer. There is some evidence that chia seeds may aid in the management of inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, which is abundant in chia seeds, are proven to reduce inflammation in the body. The risk of acquiring several chronic illnesses may be reduced by this anti-inflammatory action.
