Chia seeds are an excellent choice if you want to increase the amount of nutrients in your diet in a simple and effective way. Packed with fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, these small seeds are nutritious powerhouses.
Here’s all you need to know about the health advantages of these little but powerful seeds, as well as delicious ways to incorporate them into your diet, whether you’ve always added them to your overnight oats or have never heard of them before.
1. Might Help With Maintaining Or Losing Weight: Chia seeds can help with fullness when added to a meal, according to Kim Kulp, owner of the Gut Health Connection in Novato, California, and a registered dietitian with expertise in gut health nutrition. This might eventually support weight loss.
2. Could Assist in Lowering the Risk of Heart Disease: According to Amanda Sauceda, a Long Beach, California-based registered dietitian and gut health nutritionist, omega-3 fatty acids are among the greatest fats for heart health. Actually, studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids may lower triglycerides and lower the risk of coronary heart disease[3]. Additionally, she notes that chia seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a particular kind of omega-3 that may also lower the risk of cardiovascular events.
3. Encourages Bone Health: According to Saucera, nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium found in chia seeds are important for bone health. In fact, studies suggest that consuming enough of these nutrients is essential for the development of bones.
4. May Diminish Inflammation and Free Radicals: Unstable molecules known as free radicals are produced when a cell undergoes chemical changes. According to the National Cancer Institute, free radicals can harm other molecules (such as DNA, proteins, and lipids) and raise the chance of developing cancer and other illnesses when they accumulate.
5. It Could Assist in Lowering Blood Sugar: According to Volpe, the fibre, fat, and protein in chia seeds act as organic barriers against the breakdown of carbohydrates. Therefore, she claims that by lowering the glycemic index of foods high in carbohydrates, chia seeds can aid in blood sugar regulation.It Could Assist in Lowering Blood Sugar. According to Volpe, the fibre, fat, and protein in chia seeds act as organic barriers against the breakdown of carbohydrates. Therefore, she claims that by lowering the glycemic index of foods high in carbohydrates, chia seeds can aid in blood sugar regulation.