Chia seeds have been appointed as the latest super food with many health benefits. It is native to central and southern Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina and Ecuador. The natives eat it raw, in porridge, baked into cakes and biscuits.
What is Chia seed?
Chia is a form of herb from the mint family of the plant Salvia hispanica. 28 g of the seeds contains 4 g protein, 9 g fats, 16 g fiber plus manganese, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc and phosphorus. There is more protein, lipids energy and fiber but fewer carbohydrates than rice, barley, oats and wheat and the protein is gluten-free.
What are the benefits?
1) Weight loss
Chia seeds absorb 10-12 times it’s own weight of water. It forms the bulk in the stomach, which reduces food cravings or hunger and block calories absorption.
2) Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chia seed has the highest content of essential fatty acids, alpha linolenic acid (ALA), an Omega-3 fatty acid. ALA helps to improve cardiovascular and boost brainpower.
3) Diabetes
The complex carbohydrate present in Chia seeds provide slow, sustainable release of sugar, which helps to restore normalcy to blood sugar level. It has a Glycemic index of 1 makes it an excellent source of carbohydrate for diabetics.
4) Hydration
Chia seed contains soluble fiber and powerful absorption of water helps to hydrate the body by becoming a water source.
5) Antioxidants
The high amount of antioxidants in Chia seed makes it more stable than flaxseed. The antioxidants also make Chia seed a strong free radical scavenger.
How do you eat Chia seeds?
Chia seed is very a versatile food. You can sprinkle into salads and cereal, mix with milk or water and make it into a smoothie, cook into a porridge or soup, and stir fry with vegetables. The taste is neutral, so it will not affect the taste of the food in the recipe.
Go ahead and try this in your diet and get the benefits. Have you tried Chia seeds? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
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