Chia, scientifically known as Salvia hispanica is one of the healthiest foods that are a rich source of various health benefiting nutrients such as fibers, proteins, vitamin B3, vitamin B1 and B2 along with minerals like calcium, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus.
One ounce or 2 tablespoons of chia seeds contains 138 calories – 12 gms of carbohydrates,10 gm of dietary fiber and 4.7 gm of protein, thus making it a power food for weight loss.
Evidence of chia cultivation is first seen in the ancient Aztec civilization, and the Aztec warriors considered it an amazing recovery food that supplied them immense energy.
Being a rich vegetarian source of omega 3 – it helps in improving bone strength, reducing cholesterol from blood and treating inflammation.
Importance Of Including Chia To Your Daily Diet:
Chia is a powerful source of proteins, vitamins and minerals along with carbohydrates and essential fatty acids like omega 3- ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid) that is transformed by the body into EPA and DHA which reduces the risk of heart attack, reduces stiffness of arteries, controls high blood pressure, treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and lung infection in children.
Ideal For Weight Loss:
Weight gain and obesity is one of the most common health issues that plagues majority of the population worldwide and the most effective way to control it is through a strict diet and regular exercise.
Being a rich source of fibers, Chia helps in satiating hunger for a longer period that controls food cravings in between meals that in turns help in weight management.
The fibers absorb liquids and increases in volume which increases fullness whereas the gelling action of the seeds slows down absorption. The proteins present in the seeds cuts down food intake. Adding this seed to your weight loss regime can go a long way in helping effective weight loss.
Balance Blood Sugar:
Omega 3 present in flax seeds and chia seeds helps control Type 2 diabetes. Being loaded with fibers, it helps in slowing down body’s natural process of carbohydrate breakdown that keeps us satiated for longer and prevents sudden fluctuation of blood glucose levels.
The combination of soluble and insoluble fibers slows down the process of conversion of starch into sugar. It helps in regulating insulin levels in individuals with troubled insulin resistance. In addition, it also reduces and controls inflammation of blood vessels caused by diabetes.
Stock Up On Omega 3:
Chia seeds are an amazing source of polyunsaturated fatty acids – especially omega-3 fatty acids and the health benefits of omega 3 need no new emphasis.
It helps in maintaining cardio-vascular health, reducing high cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure and blood glucose levels, reducing blood clotting and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Being a plant source of Omega 3, it is a great substitute for vegetarians or those who don’t eat fish.
The discussion about plant source of omega 3 would remain incomplete without mentioning the name of Flax seeds.
The health benefits of flax seeds are numerous and being a rich source of omega 3, 6 and 9 it helps in effective functioning of various vital organs of the body, improving memory, bone health and treating skin disorders.
The best way to include the omega 3 health benefits of flax seed into the diet is by consuming it in the form of oil or flax seed oil supplement as capsules.
This can be done with INLIFE’s Flaxseed Oil Capsule that supports weight loss, reduces knee and joint pain, improves heart health and memory and maintains blood sugar level.
It is a 100% natural product, and each capsule contains 500 mg of pure, extra virgin cold pressed Flaxseed Oil.
Improve Heart Health:
Chia seeds help in improving overall heart health and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering the triglycerides and LDL “bad” cholesterol level in blood while improving the level of HDL “good” cholesterol. In addition, it also helps in controlling diabetes, reducing high blood pressure and minimizing inflammation of the blood vessels and arteries which play a major role in maintaining cardio-vascular health.
Great Source Of Antioxidants:
Usually, exotic fruits and berries are valued as powerful anti-oxidants, but yet another aspect where chia shines is its powerful anti-oxidant property.
The health benefits of anti-oxidants are infinite – it revokes and prevents the damage caused by free radicals to the cells that lead to cancer, premature aging of the skin and inflammation of tissues.
Load on nature’s anti-oxidants and keep premature aging, wrinkles and fine lines at bay and reduce the risk of cancer.
When it comes to natural anti-oxidants, lycopene, grape seed extract and green tea deserves a special mention because these three compounds are perhaps the richest sources of anti-oxidants that boost immunity, improves blood circulation and fights free radical damage to maintain the youthfulness and suppleness of the skin.
One of the easiest and natural ways of reaping the health benefits of these three powerful anti-oxidants is with INLIFE’s Antioxidants Tablets that is prepared using Lycopene, Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea Extract along with various vitamins and minerals.
Improved Bone Health:
Being a rich source of minerals- especially calcium, phosphorus and magnesium it helps in bone development and promoting stronger teeth in children, improving bone strength and oral health in adults and preventing the risk of osteoporosis in women.
It works as a great alternative source of calcium for those who don’t consume dairy products. Magnesium help in the absorption of nutrients like biotin and thiamin by the body whereas phosphorus helps in recovering tissue damage, injuries and promoting cell growth.
Great Source Of Energy:
Sleepiness and lack of energy during the afternoon is often caused by high-starch foods.
Whole grains like chia with its perfect combination of fibers, vitamins, proteins and minerals make it an ideal food to increase energy and stamina which in turn improves physical performance as well as memory and concentration.
This makes chia a perfect pre or post workout food for maximizing the effectiveness of a workout. No doubt, Aztec warriors consumed chia as an energy boosting food.
Being an extremely diverse food grain, chia can be consumed in various forms, added to yogurt, in your fruit smoothie, with morning cereal or mixed with vegetables. Include this amazing whole grain to your daily diet and enjoy its healthful benefits to the fullest.