Health benefits of chia seeds
Chia seeds are highly nutritious seeds chosen by millions of people in their diet plans as they are great source of omega fatty acids, fibers , minerals and antioxidants. They have immense value in boosting cardiovascular health and in helping weight loss, bone health and brain health.
Chia seeds are one of the most sought-after seeds among nutrition enthusiasts and population in general since a decade. Enhanced awareness about the health benefits chia provides made it the favorite food ingredient of many.
Chia seeds are one of the most loved and consumed functional foods all over the world. Functional food is that which can be good for health beyond its conventional nutritive value. Chia seeds provide numerous health benefits.
Chia seeds [Salvia Hispania] belong to lamiaceae family and it is cultivated all over the world as a crop.
Nutritional value
The chia seeds are rich sources of protein [16g/ 100g], fibers [ 34.4], carb [42.1] energy 480 kcal. It is a good source of vitamin B, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and folic acid.
Health benefits of chia seed
- Chia seeds improve digestive health
Fibers of chia seeds helps bowel movement, digestion and helps gut health. It prevents constipation as soluble fibre adds volume to stool.
- Antioxidant properties of chia
Chia seeds have plenty of antioxidants within them including polyphenols and vitamin E. They are potent enough to prevent cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Chia seeds are great source of omega fatty acids
Chia contains omega fatty acids such as alpha linoleic acid and linolenic acid.
- Chia boosts cardiovascular health
These are capable of lowering triglycerides or neutral fat and bad cholesterol LDL and thus help to prevent heart diseases and stroke. Selenium in chia seeds also help cardiovascular health preventing clot formation as well as empowering heart muscle strength.
- Chia seeds help brain health &cognition
Omega fatty acids can also boost brain health and cognitive functions. This may help to prevent dementia or memory loss as they contain effective antioxidants as well as omega fatty acids.
- Anti-cancer properties
Studies also show that omega fatty acids are potent enough prevent some cancers.
Chlorogenic acid and quercetin phytochemicals in chia seeds help to protect from cancers, ageing and lifestyle disorders.
- Chia helps bone health
Chia contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and copper. These minerals boost bone health as well as health of heart.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can chia seeds consumption help to prevent brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease?
chia contains several antioxidants and omega fatty acids which have potential to protect against free radical induced brain cell damage or neuro degeneration.So the antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and omega fatty acids improve cognitive functions of brain.
Can chia seed soaked water intake help to prevent constipation?
Yes . definitely . Chia seeds contain lots of fibers and this helps to improve gut health and bowel movements.
Can chia seeds help weight loss?
Yes. chia seeds have lots of fibers which help to reduce fat and cholesterol. Fibers also help fullness after its consumption and prevent excessive food intake.
written by
Dr.sanjana vb
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