Top 12 Benefits of Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a natural wonder food that contains a lot of nutrients and are good for the body. The little seed — which comes in either white or a dark brown and black colour -contains calcium, manganese, and phosphorus, and is a great source of healthy omega-3 fats. As an added benefit, chia seeds can be eaten whole or milled, while flax seeds have to be ground before consumption in order to access their health benefits. Chia seeds come from a flowering plant in the mint family that’s native to Mexico and Guatemala.
When buying chia, both the white and black seeds are good choices, but avoid either red seeds (immature chia seeds), or black seeds that are smaller than regular chia seeds (weed seeds).
Chia seeds are tasteless so they won’t affect the flavour of your food, which makes them easy to integrate into your meals. They can be sprinkled on top of salads or toast or added to smoothies and ice cream.
Chia seeds have many beneficial health qualities such as those listed below:
1. Great source of fibre
Great for adding digestion and clearing/ removing toxins from our system
2. Combat diseases
Able to be a natural treatment for Type 2 diabetes as it slows down digestion and reduce flood glucose from spiking when food is consumed
3. Packed with Omega-3 Fatty acids
Good for brain health and reduces the risk of Alzheimer.
4. Strong teeth and bones
Chia seeds contain calcium which are essential for strong teeth and bones
5. High amount of Phosphorus
Used to maintain healthy bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also used by the body to synthesize protein for cell and tissue growth and repair.
6. Good source of protein
Can act as a replacement for protein obtained from meat
7. Fights belly fat
Control blood sugar level which fights insulin resistance which can be tied to an increase in belly fat
8. Resist temptations to eat
Tryptophan, an amino acid found in chia seeds helps regulate appetite, sleep and improve mood.
9. Good for the heart
Chia seeds improve blood pressure in diabetics, and also increase healthy cholesterol while lowering total, LDL, and triglyceride cholesterol
10. Act as food replaces
Chia seeds can replace butter and eggs when baking. Chia gel can be made by soaking chia seeds in a cup of water. The chia seeds would form a jelly like layer around themselves. Chia gel can be used as a bread spread instead of butter.
11. Anti-aging properties
Chia seeds are good to achieve healthy hair, nails and skin.
12. Gluten free
Chia seeds can be found at most of your local health stores and are quite affordable! Do try incorporating this versatile little seed into your diet for a healthier lifestyle 🙂
A great way to have Chia seeds is to add it to your cup of water and drink it in the morning after you have woken up. As chia seeds need not be chewed, its benefits will still be attained by the body even if they are swallowed as a whole. Here at Cup.Cakes Singapore, you can customize your own healthy cupcakes that contain chia seeds. Do get in touch with us to find out more 🙂
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