One ounce of chia seeds is only 137 calories. They have no noticeable taste or odor so they can be implemented in a wide variety of foods like puddings, smoothies, muffins and more. Chia seeds are also durable. They don’t need to be refrigerated and don’t go rancid as quickly as other seeds such as flax.
Chia seeds are hydrating as they hold up to nine times their weight in water. This will help to keep you hydrated, which is necessary for good health. When you mix the chia seeds in the water, they create a sort of gel which adds volume to any food you’re eating. This is important because it makes the food more filling and can aid significantly in weight loss.
A study of twenty diabetic patients in 2007 yielded some impressive results regarding chia seeds. For example, patients who ate four teaspoons of chia seeds every day for three months saw a reduction in blood clotting and inflammation. They noticed an increase in levels of essential fatty acids by 80% and dropped six units in systolic blood pressure. It’s also important to note that the gel chia seeds create when mixed with water can slow down carbohydrate digestion and help regulate blood sugar, which is an obvious benefit to not just diabetics but to all.
This study was conducted using the white chia seeds, also known as saba. There are two types of chia seeds, white and black. Grown in Central and South America, these seeds were first harvested in southern Mexico over 4,000 years ago and were used by the Incan, Aztec and Mayan cultures. Warriors would often subsist on chia alone while on campaigns or conquests.
The high protein component of chia seeds is easily absorbable. This makes chia a great food for athletes as it helps with tissue repair. It can also help children and adolescents during their inevitable growth spurts.
Chia’s high oil content helps the body emulsify and absorb the vitamins A,D,E & K. As an unsaturated fatty acid, the chia seed makes it easier for oxygen to be transported via the blood stream to other parts of the body. They also are essential for glandular function and can help the body, along with Vitamin D, hold on to calcium better. In fact, chia seeds are an important source of calcium, containing the mineral boron, which utilizes and assimilates calcium in the body.
With all of these benefits and more it’s easy to see why chia seeds are considered a superfood. Why not give them a try?