New-Year New-Start-New You (Chia Seeds Explained)
January 10, 2016
If you've been following the recent blog post on Shop4Supplements then you will know that Flaxseeds are great for your health and so easy to add into your diet!Flax seeds and Chia Seeds nutritionally are very similar,the price on the other hand is far from, with Chia seeds being over 50% more expensive.
So what's the one thing that sets them apart?
"Chia Seeds have the ability to bind 9 times their weight in water"
The water binding benefits=> While in your digestive systems, the seeds form a gel with the water and other foods you have eaten, your body first has to break down the gel matrix before it can digest and absorb any food.Resulting in a slow,substained digestion,you feel fuller for longer and blood sugar doesn't spike as high.
Chia Seeds are from a Mexican plant in the mint family.The seeds are either black or white and both types are highly nutritious.Originally grown in mexico and the Soutwest between 1500 and 910 B.C, chia seeds were and important part of the Aztec and Mayan diet.
10 Health Benefits
Supports Heart Health: Chia seeds can help reduce blood pressure.The seeds contain one of the highest known plant sources of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6). EFAs cannot be syntheized by our bodies however, it is very important that we get enough to support our immune,cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems.EFA deficiency is quite common in North America.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar: Chia Seeds slow down the rate at which complex carbohydrates are digested and then assimilated into the body.The soluble fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose resulting in steady, sustained energy.
Energising: The word "chia" comes from the Mayan language and means strength.Chia seeds are a balanced blend of protein,carbohydrates,fats and fibre. It is said that 1 tablespoon of chia can sustain a person fro 24 hours.Athletes have reported that chia seeds help them perform at optimal levels for much longer periods of time.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: A number of arthritis sufferers have reported reduced pain and inflammation after a few weeks of taking chia seeds.The high concentration of omega-3 helps to lubricate joints and keep them supple.Additionally, omega-3s are converted into prostaglandins which are known to have both pain relieving and anti-inflammatory.
Weight Loss: The essential fatty acids contained in Chia seeds helps to boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass.The seeds are sometimes added to food to provide bulk and nutrients while adding very few calories.For these reasons,many people have found Chia quite useful in weight loss and weight maintenance.
Detoxification and Elimination: Similar to psyllium, the swelling action of chia in the body helps to cleanse and soothe the colon, and absorb toxins while lubricating and strengthening peristaltic action.
High Quality Protein: Chia seeds contain about 20% protein, a higher percentage than found in many other grains such as wheat and rice.Chia seeds contain strontium which helps to assimilate protein and produce high energy.
Antioxidants: Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants containing even more antioxidants than fresh blueberries.The high amounts of antioxidants in Chia seeds also keeps the oils from going rancid.
Provides Fibre and Other Nutrients: Besides EFAs,Chia seeds also provide fibre,iron,calcium,niacin,magnesium,zinc and phosphorus.
Brain Power: EFAs are known to make cell membranes more flexible and efficient making nutrients more readily availiable and nerve transmission more efficient, helping to improve brain function including memory and concentration.
[shopify product=http://shop4supplements.co.uk/products/nutiva-organic-chia-seed-340g]
[shopify product=http://shop4supplements.co.uk/products/nutiva-ococonut-hemp-and-chia]
[shopify product=http://shop4supplements.co.uk/products/milled-chia-seed-200g]
[shopify product=http://shop4supplements.co.uk/products/milled-chia-seed-200g]
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
