Certain kinds of food, whether extracted from plants or meat, provide nutritional benefits to human health. The nutritional values can differ alongside the taste; therefore, it is always wise to do a little research or consult a specialist prior to consuming anything new.
In this guide today, we will elaborate on chia seeds and their benefits, which prevail in food trends.
What Are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are tinier in size, often sold in grams like 300g or 500g. You might have noticed many food brands selling them in containers. If you do a little investigation on the internet, they have darker hues and comprise a blend of flavors. More specifically, you will relish mild and nutty flavors, making them suitable for savory as well as sweet dishes. These healthy seeds are also perfect for snacks.
Nutrients in Chia Seeds
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Zinc
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Calcium
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Iron
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Copper
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Manganese
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Niacin
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Magnesium
As per another source, the following is the nutritional value of 2 grams of chia seeds.
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Calories: 138
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Protein: 4.7 g
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Fat: 8.7 g
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Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): 5 g
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Carbs: 11.9 g
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Fiber: 9.8 g
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Calcium: 14% of the Daily Value (DV)
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Iron: 12% of the DV
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Magnesium: 23% of the DV
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Phosphorus: 20% of the DV
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Zinc: 12% of the DV
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Vitamin B1 (thiamine): 15% of the DV
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Vitamin B3 (niacin): 16% of the DV
Top Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Promoting Bone Health
Plenty of routine tasks, including physical movements, are possible because of the good health of your bones. By the consumption of chia seeds, you are letting your body take essential nutrients like calcium and potassium, which play a vital role in bone strengthening.
Moreover, the presence of ALA in chia seeds is also responsible for bone health. Therefore, the regular eating of these seeds can result in strong bones.
Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease
The omega-3s and fiber in chia seeds are efficient sources of reducing the risk of heart disease. These seeds have soluble fiber, which aids in lowering the bad cholesterol in your blood. Moreover, chia seeds can also deal with a trigger factor called hypertension or high blood pressure.
Some studies on rats depict that there was a visible decrease in oxidative stress levels and high triglyceride.
Helping in Weight Loss or Maintenance
If you are trying to lose some weight in order to gain social acceptance, chia seeds can become your ultimate choice. These seeds comprise fibers that are apt for this purpose. Moreover, there is protein, which aids in reducing the consumption of food by lowering your appetite.
Furthermore, there are studies that reveal that chia seeds are not responsible on their own to lose weight. Instead, you can add them to a nutritious and balanced diet.
Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Protein, fat, and fiber in chia seeds are effective in slowing down the rate of breaking down carbohydrates into sugars in the gut. This process happens before the body absorbs them and converts them into blood sugar.
How to Use Chia Seeds?
There are multitudes of ways one can consume chia seeds if their sole intake is not feasible for you.
Chia Drinks
They look as fancy as they sound; however, there are some inexpensive methods to create this drink on your own. Take 2 to 3 tablespoons and add them to 2 cups of water. You can use coconut water instead as well. Moreover, you can pour 1 cup of fruit juice to enjoy a fine and delicious chia drink. Just make sure to let the drink sit for a while and then stir.
Chia Seeds Energy Bars
Yes, this is certainly potential in the comfort of your home. Use ingredients like vanilla, coconut oil, and dates alongside chia seeds, and consider any add-on of your choice, for instance, dried fruit and dark chocolate. This will not only taste delicious but is a massive source of energy boost.
Salad Dressings
In conjunction with the nutritional benefits, chia seeds are appropriate for salad dressings as well. You can confidently add one tablespoon of chia seeds to almost any dressing recipe. Therefore, these seeds mix well with ingredients like honey, lemon juice, vinegar, and olive oil.
Substitute to Breadcrumbs
Chia seeds are useful as a binder for recipes that require breadcrumbs. In case the latter is unreachable or requires more effort, you can utilize the binding perks of these seeds instead. Moreover, they are a better low-carb replacement.
Is It OK to Eat Chia Seeds Every Day?
Yes, it is fine; however, try moderating their consumption. You can start with 28 grams on a regular basis.
What Is the Best Time to Eat Chia Seeds for Weight Loss?
Morning is the apt time as the seeds can give you the feeling of fullness.
What Is the Most Effective Way to Use Chia Seeds?
You can soak chia seeds in water which is an effective method to avoid dehydration.
What Are the Dangers of Chia Seeds?
If you are consuming chia seeds in larger quantities, you might face side effects like allergies, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
What Are Chia Seeds Benefits for Females?
They can help female bodies prevent breast cancer. Moreover, they are valuable for female fertility and pregnancy.
How to Eat Chia Seeds?
There are multiple fun ways to eat chia seeds, such as chia cereal, chia pudding, chia water, and juice-soaked chia.
Conclusion
Chia seeds are small in size and encompass mild flavor. They are rich in a diversity of nutrients as well, including iron, zinc, calcium, copper, and magnesium. According to various sources, they have the tendency to reduce various health risks, including heart diseases and high sugar levels. Moreover, chia seeds are effective in strengthening the bones and losing weight.
In terms of the usage of these flavorful seeds, one can opt for recipes like chia seeds energy bars and chia drinks, adding in salad dressings and substituting breadcrumbs. Furthermore, you can consume these seeds, however, in limited amounts, because the excessive intake can result in high blood pressure and diabetes.
Last but not least, please always consult a doctor or health specialist before trying out a new supplement or food item.
