Top Nutritional Benefits of Chia Seeds
What are Chia Seeds?
Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia Hispanica. They are grown in Mexico dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. “Chia” means strength, and folklore has it that these cultures used the tiny black and white seeds as an energy booster.
That makes sense. Chia seeds are a concentrated food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium.
Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds (unlike flax seeds).
What makes these seeds so great?
Full of Nutrients
A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contain 11 grams of Fiber, 4 grams of protein, and
9 grams of healthy fats (5 of which are Omega-3s). Also, 18% of the RDA of Calcium, 30% of the RDA of Manganese, 30% of the RDA of Magnesium and 27% of the RDA of Phosphorus
They also contain a decent amount of Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B2.
This is particularly impressive when you consider that this is just a single ounce. Which also is only 137 calories and one gram of digestible carbohydrate!
Digestive Health
Chia is super-high in fiber, providing nearly 11 grams per ounce. One serving can provide the recommended fiber intake for the day.
Fiber is essential for your body’s ability to balance insulin levels. According to the National Institute of Health, seeds like flax and chia can be a natural blood sugar balancer due to it’s high fiber content and healthy fats.
Being high in dietary fiber, chia helps promote bowel regularity and healthy stool.
Builds Strong Bones
Just one ounce of chia seeds has 18% of the recommended daily amount of calcium.
Calcium is fundamental in bone health and helps maintain bone strength and mass. Chia also contains boron which is another essential nutrient for bone health.
Dental Health
Since chia seeds are packed with calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin A and zinc, they are a top food to help your teeth! Calcium is the building block of your teeth and necessary for tooth health.
Zinc prevents tarter by keeping plaque from mineralizing onto your teeth and has an antibacterial effect that keeps bad breath germs away. Along with Vitamin A and phosphorus are also important for strong teeth and a healthy mouth.
How do I eat them?
Now that we know just some of the great benefits of Chia Seeds it is important to have a good quality source. They can be added to yogurt, cottage cheese, cereal, or a smoothie! My favorite way to get my Chia is Rain Form. To get more info on this non-GMO, Vegan option click here!
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