Although Chia seeds have long been part of the general health craze, Chia seeds have long been considered one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. Chia seeds were a staple food for some ancient civilizations, mainly the Aztecs of Central America, where chia is believed to have originated. The benefits of chia seeds are huge and they can help your body from head to toe. But how amazing is this superfood? Here are the top 6 benefits of chia seeds.
Low in calories, high in nutrients
Many nutrient-dense foods are also high in calories, making them great in some ways, but counterproductive to weight loss goals if consumed in excess. Chia is a great option for those who want to lose weight but maintain their food intake because chia seeds are very low in calories. They are rich in fiber, protein, calcium, healthy fats and more.
High protein content
Many plants require you to consume large portions if you want to achieve a high protein intake. Chia is an excellent source of protein, with 14% of a serving of chia seeds being protein. High protein is also great for weight loss because it can reduce appetite and potentially reduce subconscious food obsessions and nighttime snacking.
Significant content of omega-3
Many people immediately turn to foods like fish to find their Omega-3 fatty acids. But would you believe that an equal weight of chia seeds contains more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon? This is what makes chia a leading superfood for consuming healthy fats.
Reduced risk of heart disease
Although the results are not entirely conclusive, some studies have shown that eating chia seeds may reduce the risk of heart disease. This is due to their high content of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Testing has shown that it may be likely to reduce inflammation, insulin resistance, and fat around the midsection.
Great for bone health
Chia seeds’ high calcium, protein, magnesium and calcium content make this superfood a great supporter of bone health. The calcium content of chia seeds is around 18%, which is actually higher than most conventional dairy products on the market. This makes chia a great option for those on a plant-based diet looking to boost bone health – with a higher calcium content than most dairy products, it can be good for dairy lovers too.
Easy to use
Many health trends can be difficult to incorporate into your diet if you are not familiar with healthy eating. But what makes chia such a popular health food is its versatility and ease of use for the average person. Anyone can start using chia in their diet – it’s as easy as adding chia to oatmeal or cereal, smoothies and drinks, yogurt, or even baking them into breads, treats, or any other food. They’re pretty bland, but they add a hearty texture, so they pair well with just about any recipe or homemade concoction you can think of.
