Chia seeds are scientifically known as salvia hispanica. They are belongs to the family of mint, Lamiaceae. Chia seeds are indigenous to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants and so they have lots of health benefits. Chia seeds have the property to detoxify the body system in a nice way. The Chia seeds have a hot demand due to their usefulness. Insertion of these seeds in your regular diet helps you to decrease weight and also to control other problems like high blood pressure and sugar.
Chia seeds are digested easily. People who are on dieting and who concerned about their health have selected the Chia seeds as their regular choice. Chia seeds are great energy boosters. By Maya Indians, these seeds are also identified as ‘Indian running food’. Chia seeds have lots of health benefits and also some side effects. Chia seeds are one of the best sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids as well as the omega-6 and omega-9 varieties of fatty acids.
Taking chia seeds have very positive effects and the few side effects. Omega 3 fatty acids such as the alpha-lipoic acid and EPA in chia seed play a significant role in healthy brain function according to University of Maryland Medical Center. They also decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease and arthritis.
Nutritional data of Chia seeds:
- Fat
- Saturated Fat
- Carbohydrate
- Dietary Fiber
- Sugars
- Protein
- Minerals
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Iron
Chia seeds contain protein and dietary fibre. Also, it contains oil which have high amount of Omega-3 fatty acid. It has no glutten. Chia seeds have hydrophilic properties, means ability to absorb water. It can absorb twelve times water of its weight. It holds water for longer time and makes you hydrated as you take them. Chia seeds are a great source of protein, results in rapid distribution to your tissues and the cells can use the nutrients instantly. As it includes regeneration of your muscle tissue, it is great for the pregnant women, athletes and weight lifters.
Chia seeds have high content of Omega-3 fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids which is required in your body to absorb the fat soluble vitamin A, D, E and K. These fatty acids cannot be produced by your body, so it is necessary to take them from supplements. It contains calcium, acts as the catalyst to absorb and use in your body. The mineral boron is present in Chia which helps to utilize the calcium in your body. Chia seeds have good nutritional value.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds:
- Chia Seeds are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, antioxidants, protein, fiber, calcium, selenium and almost every single vitamin and mineral that the body needs to function at optimal health. That means a whole lot of nutrition in one tiny seed. So, World Health Organization has categorized chia seeds as a complete food.
- Chia seed forms a unique gel when the seed is exposed to water which is one of the most advantageous features of it. This gel has no calories and no flavor and it absorbs the flavor of whatever it is mixed with to fill you up faster and keep you full longer. So, it is best for people who are trying to lose weight.
- Chia seeds are the perfect way to eat not only less but healthier when dieting. You can add it to anything you eat and you will eat less.
- If diabetics can maintain their blood sugar levels as much as possible, they are much healthier for much longer. The fibers in chia seeds slow down the function that turns carbohydrates into sugars which means the blood sugar levels will not spike as much but will remain at healthier, steady levels.
- Chia seeds are also excellent for increasing your energy levels, cleaning and healing wounds, constipation, arthritis and heart disease.
- These friendly little seeds are full of antioxidants that prevent skin from aging and tissue inflammation that tends to come more frequently as age.
Side Effects of Chia Seeds:
- It can lower the blood pressure of body, especially in aged people. Be careful as Chia seeds are capable of lowering the pressure of the blood to the dangerous level.
- This seed is a great source of vitamin B-17. If you are from a regimen of B-17, then you should be cautious before taking the seeds. You may overload your body system with phytonutrients.
- People who are suffering with heart problems must avoid these seeds as it has addictive effects on its users.
- If you have reactions when you eat Chia seeds or any product which contains Chia seeds, then you must evade Chia seeds totally.
- People who take blood thinners like warfarin should exclude this from their diet as Chia seeds as it raises the risk for bleeding.
- It may be allergic and the reason behind this is that it is the member of the salvia genus.
- Overdose of Chia should be avoided as it can be harmful for you.
- A research conducted by The Netherlands’ Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences in 2004 concluded that Chia seeds increase the risk of prostate cancer in men. However, more researches are needed to support the findings of this study.
- Utilization of chia seeds can be addictive so chia seeds should be consumed in short phases.
- For people who are planning to undergo a surgery or are taking aspirin or blood thinners should consult a medical practitioner before using chia seeds.
Chia Seeds:
Now, I came to know that what is Chia seeds and how it is useful & beneficial for decrease weight, energy boost etc..etc.. but it had commented that Chia seeds has also side effects…….