Hello My Dear Readers,
I’m excited to share all the health benefits of one of my favourite superfoods: CHIA. I eat these little gems almost daily and I can honestly tell you when I skip a few days, my body really misses them.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds, which come from the mint family, are native to South America. They have been used for centuries and have been prized for their ability to provide sustainable energy and stamina.
Research has linked this valuable food as a being beneficial for many health issues, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, celiac disease, and lowering cholesterol.
Here are the top health benefits of chia seeds:
Healthy Bowels and Elimination
One ounce of chia seeds (2 Tbsp) contains 11 grams of soluble fibre. Fibre has many roles in the body, including keeping your bowels moving. This is important because it helps to keep the digestive track healthy and eliminate harmful toxins from the body. Fibre also contributes to a healthy digestion because it helps to feed the healthy bacteria in the gut, which boost immunity, mood and overall health.
Energy and Endurance
One of the remarkable qualities of chia seeds is its ability to absorb more than 12 times its weight in water. This ability to hold water can prolong hydration and retain electrolytes in body fluids. The gel formed when chia seeds are eaten creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar and extending endurance.
Great for Heart Health and Cognitive Function
Chia seeds are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids (4915 mg per 2 Tbsp) , which help reduce inflammation in the body, keep your mind sharp and your heart healthy. The natural antioxidants in chia seeds make the delicate healthy fats more nutritionally stable, preventing them from oxidizing and going rancid.The antioxidants also fight free radicals, which can damage molecules in cells and contribute to premature aging and degenerative disease.
Great for Weight Loss
The gel forming properties of chia seeds tend to slow down digestion and sustain balanced blood sugar levels. Whole, water soaked chia seeds can be easily digested and absorbed. Because of their high fibre content and ability to hold water, chia seeds also allow you to feel more full and therefore aids in weight loss. The protein found in chia has a great amino acid balance and is easy for our bodies to digest and assimilate, which further helps to balance blood sugar, increase satiety, reduce cravings and aid in weight loss.
How can you add more chia seeds into your diet? Try these options:
No-cook Goji Coconut Oatmeal (Great for Camping!)
Nutrient Bomb Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie
Strawberry Chia Pudding (recipe below!)
Strawberry + Greens Vanilla Chai Chia Pudding:
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 3 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 scoop Greens+ Whole Body Nutrition in Vanilla Chai Flavour (if you don’t have the Greens, use a small amount of whole food sweetener like coconut syrup or pure maple syrup)
How to make:
The night before: Mix together coconut milk, chia seeds and Greens+ Whole Body Nutrition. Leave in the fridge to thicken over night.
In the morning, place the strawberries into your blender and buzz until smooth. Give the chia pudding a quick stir, then top with strawberry jam and a swirl of coconut milk if you fancy.
Makes 1-2 servings.
Enjoy Xx
Amazing post.