6 health benefits of chia seeds

Chia seeds are among the healthiest foods on the planet. They're loaded with nutrients that can have significant benefits for your body and brain.

According to science, there are 6 proven health benefits of chia seeds. 

Chia seeds deliver a massive amount of nutrients with very few calories.

Chia seeds were an essential food for the Aztecs and Mayans back in the day. They prized them for their ability to provide sustainable energy. In fact, "chia" is the ancient Mayan word for "strength." Despite their ancient history as a dietary staple, chia seeds became recognised as a modern-day superfood only recently. In the past few years, they have exploded in popularity and are now consumed by health-conscious people all over the world.

Chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants.

Another area in which chia seeds shine is their high antioxidant content. These antioxidants protect the sensitive fats in the seeds from going rancid. Most importantly, antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage cell molecules and contribute to ageing and diseases like cancer.

The high fibre and protein content in chia seeds may help you lose weight.

Many health experts believe that chia seeds can aid weight loss. Its soluble fibre absorbs large amounts of water and expands in your stomach, which should increase fullness and slow the absorption of food. Also, the protein in chia seeds could help reduce appetite and food intake. Eating chia seeds for breakfast increased satiety and reduced food intake in the short term.

It is high in many essential bone nutrients.

Chia seeds are high in several nutrients that are important for bone health. It includes calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein.

Chia seeds are easy to incorporate into your diet.

Chia seeds are incredibly easy to incorporate into your diet. The seeds themselves taste rather bland so you can add them to pretty much anything. It also doesn't need to be ground like flax seeds, which makes them much easier to prepare. All can be eaten raw, soaked in juice, added to porridge, pudding, smoothies or added to baked goods. You can also sprinkle it on top of cereal, yoghurt, vegetables or rice dishes. Because of their ability to absorb both water and fat, they can be used to thicken sauces and as egg substitutes in recipes. Chia seeds can also be mixed with water and turned into a gel.

Chia seeds may reduce blood sugar levels

It may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, stabilising blood sugar levels after meals.