chia seeds

Health benefits of Chia seeds

Lose Weight Easily Without Starving 

The Chia Seed is a dieter’s dream come true. Hunger is the main enemy of weight loss. When a chia seed is exposed to water, it forms a coating of gel, increasing its size and weight. Since the gel is made of water, it has no calories. It is also difficult to remove from the seed, meaning that it helps your body think it is full, without adding calories!

Balance Blood Sugar

Lowering risk of Diabetes and keeping a balanced level of blood sugar is important for both health and energy. Blood sugar may spike after meals, especially if you eat high-starchy foods or sweets. This can lead to ‘slumps’ in your day where you feel tired and out of energy. By balancing your blood sugar, you not only lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, you also ensure steady constant energy throughout your day. How does the chia seed help with this? Both the gelling action of the seed, and its unique combination of soluble and insoluble fibre combine to slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars. If you eat chia with a meal, it will help you turn your food into constant, steady energy rather than a series of ups and downs that wear you out.

Aid digestion

With an abundance of over-processed foods and white flour, rich sources of fibre are harder to come by. To help ensure regularity, you need plenty of soluble and insoluble fibre in your diet. Each seed is coated with soluble fibres which aid its gelling action. The exterior of the seed is then protected by insoluble fibre. The digestive system is unable to digest the insoluble fibre but helps to keep food moving smoothly through the digestive process. The soluble fibre, and the gel coating of the seed keeps the colon hydrated and also ensures the easy movement of food.

Adding Omega 3 

Omega 3 oil is usually thought of as “that healthy stuff in fish”. However Chia is the richest plant-source of Omega 3. By weight, chia contains more omega 3 than salmon! Omega 3 is important for heart and cholesterol health. It’s also recently been targeted as a weight-loss helper. USA Weekend magazine also reports on a study where overweight dieters who included omega 3s in their eating plan lost 2 more pounds monthly than the control group, who did not.

Feel More Energized

Your energy levels have a lot to do with what you eat. Chia is one of nature’s highest plant-based sources of complete protein. Protein from items like peanut butter and some beans are incomplete, meaning you have to combine them with other foods to get the full benefit. Not chia though; its protein is complete to raise your energy levels. The combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar balancing gel all work together to make sure you have steady energy.

Bake With Less Fat 

Do you enjoy baking? Chia gel can substitute for half the butter in most recipes! The food will bake the same and taste the same (or better) from the addition of the chia gel. All you need to do is divide the amount of butter or oil in half, and then use the same amount of chia gel to fill in. The antioxidants in chia can even help keep the food tasting fresh longer. Everything from cookies to cakes to muffins, pancakes and waffles can be made with Chia gel as your butter replacement.

Age-Defying Antioxidants 

Antioxidants have been in the news lately due to their super healthy benefits. You know that blueberries and several exotic fruits have them, though did you know that chia is extremely high in antioxidants too? These helpful substances are what makes the chia seed stay fresh for so long. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh and ready to eat for over two whole years! And that’s all without a single chemical or preservative. This amazing ability is not found in other seeds like flax or sesame, because those seeds don’t have the same rich antioxidant content. Antioxidants help prevent free-radical damage in your body. Free radicals lead to problematic conditions such as premature aging of the skin and inflammation of various tissues.

Curb Cravings

Being deficient in minerals or vitamins can create a craving for food. By weight, chia has more calcium than whole milk. It also has magnesium and boron, essential trace minerals used in the absorption of calcium and other vitamins. By balancing your vitamins and minerals with chia, you can curb cravings that might tempt you.

Create More Flavour! 

How can a seed with NO flavour help other foods taste better? When the seeds are hydrated, they magnify the taste of whatever they were added to. For puddings and smoothies to dressings, dips, salsas, sauces and more.

Save Your Money 

Adding Chia to your diet costs from as little as 50p per day. You can use as much or as little as you want to achieve your own desired results. There are no preparations required for these simple seeds as a measuring spoon is all you’ll need. They’re always safe and 100% chemical free.

Buy your organic Chia Seeds from Wikaniko and get a healthier lifestyle, instantly! Visit online shop ecomarketstall.wikaniko.com

Author

  • Rachel (Scriven) Branson

    With a background in Publishing since 1996, rachel discovered a passion for health and nutrition whilst studying at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. In 2006, Rachel and her husband Richard launched ‘Wellbeing Magazine’ as a platform where everyone could access information about alternative health, complementary medicines and all the wonderful products and services to support people on their wellbeing journey.