Benefits of Eating Chia Seeds

I recently discovered Chia seeds and I'm amazed at the many health benefits they offer. I'm surprised that it took me this long into my quest for optimal health to learn about these little miracle seeds and I thought I should pass along my new discovery. Since I haven't been using these seeds for very long, I can't yet make any claims, but according to my research, chia seeds can have the following benefits:

Reduces Hunger
When a chia seed is exposed to water, it forms a coating of gel, increasing its size and weight. It helps your body think it is full, without adding calories. This alone is worth trying them!

Balance Blood Sugar
The gelling action of the seed, and it’s unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber combine to slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars. If you eat chia with a meal, it will help you turn your food into constant, steady energy rather than a series of ups and downs that wear you out.

Helps Maintain Regularity
With the abundance of over-processed foods and white flour on the market today, rich sources of fiber are harder to come by and irregularity is becoming a more common problem. To help ensure regularity, you need plenty of soluble and insoluble fiber in your diet. Chia seeds are coated with soluble fibers which aid its gelling action and  keep the colon hydrated to ensure the easy movement of food.

Adds Healthy Omega-3 Oils
Chia is the richest plant-source of this healthy oil. By weight, chia contains more omega 3 than salmon, but without fishy taste! Omega 3 oil is important in heart and cholesterol health. It’s also recently been targeted as a weight-loss helper.

Have More Energy All Day Long
Your energy levels have a lot to do with what you eat. Chia is one of nature’s highest plant-based sources of complete protein that will raise your energy levels. The combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar balancing gel all work together to make sure you have steady energy.

Add age-defying anti-oxidants
Chia seeds are extremely high in anti-oxidants which help prevent free-radical damage in your body. Free radicals lead to problematic conditions such as premature aging of the skin and inflammation of various tissues.

Makes Your Food Taste Even Better
I don't know how it works, but when the seeds hydrate, they magnify the taste of whatever they were added to. Your chocolate pudding can taste more chocolaty. Your smoothie can taste more fruity.

It's certainly worth trying these chia seeds out for yourself and see if you notice any healthy benefits. They can be found in your local health food store. Please look for a future blog posting with suggestions on how to easily incorporate them into your daily meals.