The Mystery Behind Chia Seeds Health Benefits Uncovered
Did you ever stop to wonder just why people call chia seeds "nature's complete superfood"
? Is it only a marketing device or do chia seeds truly have health benefits for the ordinary Joe?
I don't know about you but often when I peruse nutrition labels on packaging my eyes glaze over! I've spent some time researching the nutritional contents of chia seeds, and I intend to break it down for you in easy-to-understand vocabulary.
As educated consumers it's imperative that we understand exactly what we are putting into our bodies. Yes, we all hear chia is really healthful...but why? And is there a difference between white chia seeds and black chia seeds? And where can I buy chia for affordable prices? These are the questions we really want answers to.
Okay, so here is a no-nonsense, understandable and easy to understand explanation of chia seeds health benefits:
Chia Is A Wholegrain Food.
What does wholegrain mean? Well, every grain has three layers: the bran, germ and endosperm. A whole grain contains all three of these components, and it hasn't been processed.
The bran is the outer layer. Many of the fundamental nutrients are located in the bran.
Chia is a whole grain and accordingly contains all these nutrients that are found in the bran.
So what do these nutrients achieve? Some research suggest that people who frequently eat wholegrain foods have a lessened risk of:
bowel cancer
obesity
diabetes
heart disease
Now you recognize why it is relevant that chia is a whole grain and how it benefits your health.
Chia Contains 36% of Dietary Fiber.
Soluble fiber moderates your blood glucose levels and decreases your cholesterol. The dietary fiber in chia is mostly soluble with high molecular weight.
Insoluble fiber helps your gut function well and decreases the risk of colon cancer. Chia alsocontains insoluble fiber so you get these health benefits likewise.
Chia Has 20% Protein.
Your body employs protein to build and restore tissues and to build enzymes, hormones and other body chemicals. The human body needs relatively large levels of protein and must draw on it from the diet as protein is not saved in the body.
Chia Has Massive Amounts of Omega-3
Chia contains the biggest levels of omega-3 of any plant-based food. Omega-3 can:
help lower high blood pressure
help with a strong heart
decrease cholesterol
The omega-3 found in chia seeds may also safeguard against Alzheimer's disease (according to the results of a review published in the March 2005 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience).
Are White Chia Seeds More Healthy Than Black Chia Seeds?
To answer the question about black chia seeds versus white chia seeds, there is probably no difference in health benefits. Some manufacturers of white chia seeds claim they are healthier, but no definitive scientific studies back this up. The black seeds actually contain white seeds so my gut feeling is that there's no difference. Of course if you just like the looks of the white chia seeds you can buy them especially - it won't hurt.
Hopefully you now have an understanding of a little bit about the nutritional contents of chia and can share with others when they ask you why you're eating this interesting little seed.
Chia seeds health benefits are critical for your long-term health and will make you feel amazing.
The Mystery Behind Chia Seeds Health Benefits Uncovered
By: Alex Amari
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