Benefits of including Chia seeds in your diet

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Dubbed as a ‘superfood’ chia seeds are the edible seeds of the plant salvia hispanica, which is part of the family of mint plants. Chia seeds are oval in shape and are generally grey with small black and white spots. These seeds have gained massive popularity due to their rich nutrient content.

With a fast paced lifestyle and demanding energy requirements for the body, people are switching to healthier food alternatives. Chia seeds are a great way to incorporate a large amount of nutrients in your diet without having to prepare an extravagant meal or take any additional food supplements. Although chia seeds are not a substitute for food, they provide an extra dose of nutrients to the body that too without any extra trouble. Chia seeds are extremely easy to consume and they can be eaten along with salads, smoothies, baked goods or even be blended along with juices and drinks.

A small amount of these seeds incorporated in your daily diet will do wonders for your body. Check out the amazing benefits that chia seeds can bring when included in your diet.

Rich in nutrients

Chia seeds are an excellent source of nutrients. The seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, protein, zinc, calcium and phosphorus. Around two tablespoons, which is around 28g of chia seeds; contain 4 grams of protein and 9 grams of omega-3 fatty acid along with the other nutrients. Chia seeds are also rich in vitamin b3, vitamin b2 and vitamin b1.

The fascinating fact about chia seeds is that they contain a miniscule amount of calories which makes it even better for people trying to watch their calorie intake or shed a few pounds of weight. Chia seeds are a great organic food supplement which naturally provides the body with a boost of vital nutrients.

Great source of fibre

Fibres constitute an important part of our diet and help in efficient digestion and excretion. An average amount of around 25-30 grams of fibre needs to be consumed by men and women under the age of 50. Men and women above the age of 50 should consume fibres between the levels of 22 and 28 grams, in a day. A serving of chia seeds provides around 10 grams of fibre at one go, which makes for around 50% of the daily required fibre intake.

Chia seeds which are rich in fibre are very easily digestible and provide a healthy amount of fibre to the body at one go.

Helps control cholesterol and keep cardiovascular diseases at bay

Chia seeds have been found to help in lowering the level of blood pressure in the body. The high fibre content in chia seeds aid in managing the blood pressure and also keep the levels of cholesterol in the body from increasing too much. LDL, which is a harmful cholesterol in the body, is kept at controlled levels with the daily intake of chia seeds.

The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds are also very helpful in keeping the heart healthy and reduce chances of cardiovascular diseases like arrhythmia or heart stroke.

Chia seeds should definitely be on the diet plan for people suffering from high blood pressure and heart problems. It should also be consumed regularly otherwise and chances of cardiovascular diseases can be kept at bay with the consumption of these seeds.

Aids digestion

Chia seeds, which are originally native to South America, were largely consumed as digestive aids. Chia seeds aid massively in easing the process of digestion. This is again attributed to the high fibre content of chia seeds. Chia seeds make the process of digestion and excretion operate very efficiently, which keeps the body healthy.

Weight loss

Although the effects of chia on weight loss is still being extensively researched, it is seen that the nutrients and high levels of fibre in chia seeds aid in the loss of weight for people.

Chia seeds have been consumed by humans since ancient times however it is only recently that the extensive benefits of this seed is being discovered. Chia seeds are a very easy thing to incorporate in the diet and can be consumed very easily. It can be consumed by people of all age groups and helps the body keep fit in an organic and efficient manner.