Chia seeds: benefits and properties
The known as chia seeds are seeds from a plant that belongs to the family of lamiaceae, which is native to Central America, where indigenous tribes consumed it for more than 6,000 years. In fact, its use in religious rituals was very common, precisely attributing to them a great diversity of benefits, properties and qualities.
In recent years these seeds have become very fashionable, so that their consumption has increased enormously due mainly to that can be found more easily in herbalists and specialized dietetics shops.
Nutritional benefits of chia seeds
From a nutritional point of view there is no doubt that chia seeds stand out from the start because of their high quality protein content. In fact, they contain a higher percentage of proteins than other cereals, and also contain lysine (an amino acid that most cereals do not contain).
They are especially rich in essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6, highlighting above all its high content in the first. As you probably know, these fatty acids help prevent cardiovascular diseases, circulation problems and hypertension.
They are also seeds that stand out for their high content of soluble fiber, so they are ideal not only for people who suffer from constipation, but also have diabetes, by helping regulate blood sugar levels.
In regard to its content in both vitamins and minerals, highlight above all:
- Vitamins: are rich in B vitamins, which are essential to maintain good health of the skin, tissues and nervous system, and vitamin A, essential for the health of the eyes.
- Minerals: are rich in potassium and calcium, minerals essential to maintain good health of bones and teeth.
Therefore, there is no doubt that chia seeds is an excellent food to add to our daily diet. And is that their nutritional wealth provide us with most of the essential nutrients we need every day.
Other benefits of chia seeds, in summary
Chia is extremely rich in fiber, which helps to favor and regulate intestinal transit. That is to say, its seeds become an excellent natural option when it comes to prevent and improve constipation, especially when it appears occasionally, to help improve our intestinal transit.
It is rich in essential fatty acids Omega 3 and Omega 6, these acids prevent us against cardiovascular diseases, avoiding circulation problems and also hypertension. Even more, help reduce high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood, as long as their consumption is regular and they are eaten in a varied and healthy diet.
From a nutritional point of view, they are also rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium and proteins. The vitamins present in its seeds are the vitamins of group B and vitamin A. For its content in proteins, vitamins and minerals, it is recommended for athletes and for people who perform physical efforts during their workday as it provides energy and vitality.
Being rich in antioxidants prevents the aging of the cells of our body, helping us to reduce the negative action of free radicals and to control them.
The consumption of chia is usually recommended in slimming diets since it contains satiating properties. These properties are achieved because when mixed with liquid form a gel and increase its volume.
This is because they absorb 10 times their weight in water, which gives us the feeling of being full.
The liquids with which we can mix Chia seeds are: water, infusions, milk, juices, smoothies, liquid yogurt.
It is important to have a healthy and balanced diet in which you can include the seeds of Chia and if you decide to make some weight loss diet we advise you always under the control of a nutritionist or doctor.
Chia seeds are also used as an ingredient to prepare different recipes for food, in salads, in fruit salads, in bakeries, in pastries. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesSeeds Food
