The Top 8 Secrets of the Super Small “Super-Food”

Over the course of human history, chia seeds have been used by societies around
the world for their wide array of health benefits. Although “supefoods” seem to
be more of a myth than reality, chia seeds are challenging this with their the
powerful nutrition benefits they deliver.

Chia seeds are incredibly small, but don’t let their size fool you: these little kernels
have nearly limitless benefits, as they provide dozens of vitamins and minerals,
antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Because of their small size and mellow
flavor, chia seeds can be added to nearly every dish, and make a great topping for
salads not to mention Chi pudding.

The Nutritional Value of Chia Seeds

The vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that chia seeds have to offer can
mean a variety of health benefits to those who include them in their daily diet.
Chia seeds can help your body to reduce inflammation, prevent and even reduce
the risk of some health issues, like high cholesterol especially the LDL )bad)
cholesterol. How? By providing your body with the following:

Essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Polyunsaturated fats or Alpha linoleic Acid (ALA) are critical to a healthy diet,
however finding food which contain them can prove difficult in today’s processed
world. Typically present in fatty fish such as salmon, flaxseeds and walnuts, are
some of the rare places Omega-3 are found in addition to Chia seeds. The fatty
acids promote overall good health, particularly for your brain and heart and
reduce inflammation

Antioxidants

For those looking to stop the aging process, antioxidants are a must; antioxidants
work to protect the human body from free radicals and cancer cells, while also
slowing the effects of aging on a person’s appearance. One of the best places to
find antioxidants is in chia seed, where a high volume of them can be found.

Fiber

A proper amount of fiber in one’s diet can go a very long way, as it plays host to a
number of benefits; regulated bowel movements, lowered cholesterol, a
reduction in inflammation, and proving a feeling of fullness after a meal are all
benefits provided by a proper amount of fiber. Chia seeds also carry a significant
amount of fiber, meaning they can be added to any diet to ensure the benefits of
fiber after every meal.

An Abundance of Minerals

Minerals are prevalent in chia seeds, and they are necessary to a healthy and
complete diet. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and
manganese are all present in chia seeds, and each of these offers excellent
benefits to the body. In addition, minerals are necessary for the body to have
energy and a metabolism, meaning that chia seeds can even help you lose weight.

The Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Regulated Blood Sugar

Blood sugar levels determine someone’s levels of energy; when someone’s blood
sugar is low, they will often act sluggish or tired, and if their blood sugar is too
high, there will likely be serious implications. Chia seeds work to regulate the
body’s insulin levels, meaning that it helps to keep blood sugar levels regulated,
keeping those who eat them energized and attentive.

Easily Digested

High fiber foods have a high tendency to be poorly digested by the body, meaning
that eating them can lead to unpleasant digestive issues. In contrast to most high
fiber foods, chia seeds are very easily digested by the body, making them easy for
consumption with any meal.

Delivers a “Full” Feeling

Another way in which chia seeds are great for weight loss diets is through their
ability to make a person feel full, even after eating a smaller-than-usual portion.
Many diet foods do not contain substantial amounts of fiber and protein,
meaning that many people do not feel full after their meals when on a diet.
However, chia seeds deliver ample amounts of both protein and fiber, making
them an excellent solution for those who have trouble feeling satiated.

Gluten-Free

As if chia seeds didn’t already have enough to offer, they are also gluten-free,
meaning that they can be eaten by those on a gluten-free diet, or those allergic to
the substance.

With just the addition of a few small seeds, your diet can go from lackluster to full
of wonderful health benefits. Anyone can learn secrets of nutrition like these
under the guidance of one of the area’s best nutrition counselors.