04/27/2016 / By Michael Bundrant
I was at a friend’s house recently, and she offered my daughter and I a squeezy-pouch that contained chia seeds, a food that I was oblivious to until this moment. If you’ve had them before, then you know that when soaked in any liquid, they turn into a gel-like substance that mimics the liquid’s taste. They have a very interesting and unexpected texture, especially if you’ve never had them before! My daughter and I absolutely loved them.
They pack quite a nutritional punch too, which makes me love them more!
Chia seeds are high in protein, which is essential muscle food that you need if you’re trying to get in shape! An article titled “11 Proven Benefits of Chia Seeds” published by Authority Nutrition says, “By weight, they are about 14% protein, which is very high compared to most plants. They also contain a good balance of essential amino acids, so our bodies should be able to make use of the protein in them.”
They are also high in fiber, which is proven to help weight loss. According to an article titled, “How to Use Chia Seeds for Weight Loss” published by Live Strong, “Simply eating more fiber is a great way to lose weight even if you don’t make other dietary changes, reports Harvard Medical School, and chia significantly boosts your fiber intake.”
Another benefit of incorporating Chia seeds into your diet is blood glucose regulation. “Both the gelling action of the seed, and it’s unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber 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,” says an article titled “Top Ten Benefits of Chia Seeds” published by My Chia Seeds.
The nutrients contained within the chia seeds are amazing, and they’re ability to absorb so much water makes them ideal if you’re trying to consume less food without feeling like you’re starving.
Chia seeds also contain “Omega 3 fats, niacin, thiamin, selenium, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and copper”, according to an article titled “Top 10 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds” published by Live Strong. All of which are very good for you and essential for your body to function properly.
Sources:
11 Proven Health Benefits of Chia Seeds (No. 3 is Best). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/
How to Use Chia Seeds for Weight Loss | LIVESTRONG.COM. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/386524-how-to-use-chia-seeds-for-weight-loss/
Top 10 Benefits of Eating Chia Seeds. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://mychiaseeds.com/Articles/Top10ChiaBenefits.html Top 10 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds |. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/444471-top-ten-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/