Benefits Of Chia Seeds

I recently started using Chia seeds in my smoothies for added health benefits.  I had recently completed some research online looking for ways in which I could reduce my body fat and also cholesterol. Chia Seeds came out on top.  They are pretty versatile, and you can put them in your smoothies, and also in cereal all on top of yoghurt. 

Don’t be fooled by the size… these tiny seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch.

A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains: 

• Fiber: 11 grams.
• Protein: 4 grams.
• Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are Omega-3s).
• Calcium: 18% of the RDA.
• Manganese: 30% of the RDA.
• Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
• Phosphorus: 27% of the RDA.
• They also contain a decent amount of Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B2.

This is particularly impressive when you consider that this is just a single ounce, which supplies only 137 calories and one gram of digestible carbohydrate!

Just so that we’re all on the same page, 1 ounce equals 28 grams, or about 2 tablespoons.

Interestingly… if you subtract the fiber, which may not end up as usable calories for the body, chia seeds only contain 101 calories per ounce.

This makes them one of the world’s best sources of several important nutrients, calorie for calorie.

To top things off, chia seeds are a “whole grain” food, are usually grown organically, are non-GMO and naturally free of gluten.

Chia Seeds Are Loaded With Antioxidants

Another area where chia seeds shine is in their high amount of antioxidants 

These antioxidants protect the sensitive fats in the seeds from going rancid 

Although antioxidant supplements are not very effective, getting antioxidants from foods can have positive effects on health and immune system.  

Most importantly, antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage molecules in cells and contribute to ageing and diseases like cancer 

Because of all the fiber, chia seeds can absorb up to 10-12 times their weight in water, becoming gel-like and expanding in your stomach 

Theoretically, this should increase fullness, slow absorption of your food and help you eat fewer calories.

Fiber also feeds the friendly bacteria in the intestine, which is important because keeping your gur bugs well fed is absolutely crucial for health. 

Chia seeds are 40% fiber, by weight. This makes them one of the best sources of fiber in the world.

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