October’s Super Food is the Chia Seed. The tiny black seeds are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. They’re loaded with nutrients that can have important benefits for your body and brain.
- Chia Seeds Deliver a Massive Amount of Nutrients
These tiny seeds are loaded with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients. To top things off, they are a whole-grain food, usually grown organically, and are non-GMO and naturally free of gluten.
- Chia Seeds Are Loaded With Antioxidants
Antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases like cancer.
- Almost All the Carbs Are Fiber
Chia seeds are one of the best sources of fiber in the world. One ounce of chia seeds has 12 grams of carbs and 11 of those grams are fiber. Because of its high soluble fiber content, chia seeds increase fullness, slow absorption of your food, and help you automatically eat fewer calories. Fiber also feeds the friendly bacteria in your intestine, which is important and absolutely crucial for good health.
- Chia Seeds Are High in Quality Protein
Chia seeds are high in quality protein. A high protein intake lowers appetite and has been shown to reduce obsessive thoughts about food and the desire for night time snacking.
- Chia Seeds May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
Given that chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, and omega-3s, they may reduce your risk of heart disease. A few studies show that chia seeds significantly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension, which is a strong risk factor for heart disease.
- They’re High in Many Important Bone Nutrients
Chia seeds are high in several nutrients, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein, which are essential for bone health. As a result, chia seeds may be considered an excellent source of calcium for people who don’t eat dairy.
- They May Reduce Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is your body’s normal response to infection or injury. Although inflammation helps your body heal and fight off bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents, it can sometimes cause harm. Various unhealthy lifestyle habits increase your risk of chronic inflammation, including smoking, lack of exercise, or a poor diet. On the other hand, certain healthy foods, such as chia seeds, may reduce the blood levels of inflammatory markers.
- Chia Seeds Are Easy to Incorporate Into Your Diet
The seeds themselves taste rather bland, so you can add them to almost anything. They can be eaten raw, soaked in juice, added to pudding, smoothies or baked goods, or sprinkled on top of cereal, yogurt, vegetables, or rice dishes.
Chia seeds are not only rich in nutrients, omega-3 fat, antioxidants, and fiber but also easy to prepare. Studies suggest that they have various health benefits, ranging from weight loss to reduced inflammation. If you don’t eat chia seeds already, you should definitely consider adding them to your diet. They’re truly a superfood worthy of the title.
