- CH-CH-CHIA: Chia seeds don't look like much, but as the old saying goes, "sometimes annoyingly tiny black seeds hide a treasure trove of weird goodness". Which is true, but not an actual "old saying"...
- FATTY ACIDS: Ground chia seeds have more omega-3 than salmon by weight, this little fatty acidhead will protect your precious pump. And no we aren't talking about your workout, meathead.
- SMOOTH AND EASY MIXING: Perfect for smoothies, puddings, oatmeal and even baking! It blends well and doesn’t have a gritty texture or bad aftertaste.
- THOSE CHIA PETS WERE ONTO SOMETHING: Jammed with vitamin A, calcium, zinc, phosphorus: chia is a one stop shop health food store...well you get. the picture
- BE PLEASED WITH MANGANESE: An ounce of Chia contains a whopping 18% of your daily calcium need, and 30% of your daily manganese habit. That means stronger bones, and the puzzling realization that "manganese" sounds like a kind of fruit.
BENEFITS
- Omega-3 fatty acids out the ying-yang; quashing cholesterol, modulating blood pressure, and calming inflammation.
- Chia and fiber; who knew? Your BOWEL knew. Chia gets things moving on schedule down there, while chemically feeding the good bacteria that keep everything in check.
- Chia absorbs water, expands in your tummy, and mellows the cravings that would otherwise have you sneaking to the kitchen in the wee hours to eat cold baloney by fridge light. Yeah, we saw.
- Vitamins A, B, E, D; iron, iodine, magnesium, niacin, thiamine...wow! All these necessary things must be very very small to fit inside a chia seed! I mean, really small!
- Studies show that the post-exercise protein in chia repairs muscle tissue and accelerates recovery from workout to workout
Benefits
Plant-based foods have long been associated with a reduced risk of many adverse health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and overall mortality.
They have been shown to support a healthy complexion, increased energy, and overall lower weight.
Chia and the power of fiber
The United States (U.S.) dietary guidelines for 2015 to 2020 suggest that men under the age of 50 years should consume 30.8 grams (g) of fiber per day and women under the age of 50 years should consume 25.2 g per day.
For adults over 50 years of age, the recommendation for men is 28 g per day, and for women, it is 22.4 g per day. Most people consume less than half of that recommendation.
The easiest way to increase fiber intake is to eat more plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and unprocessed grains. Just one ounce of chia seeds provides 10 grams of fiber, almost half the daily recommendation for a woman over 50 years.
Weight loss
Foods that are high in fiber help people to feel full for longer, and they are usually lower in calories. Increased fiber intake and a high fiber diet have been shown to help with weight loss.
Chia seeds contain nearly 5 grams of fiber per tablesoon, and their high levels of omega-3-fatty acids and alpha-linoleic acid may be useful for weight loss. The seed can also be consumed as a gel when mixed with water. This causes it to digest more slowly in the body, potentially preventing hunger for a longer period.
However, evidence is scant. A review, published in the Journal of Obesity, concludes that "there is limited data to suggest the use of chia seeds for weight loss."
Another study, published in Nutrition Research, concludes that, in overweight adults, chia seeds have "no influence on body mass or composition, or various disease risk factor measures."
Treating diverticulosis
High-fiber diets have been shown to decrease the prevalence in flare-ups of diverticulitis by absorbing water in the colon and making bowel movements easier to pass.
Eating a healthful, fiber-filled diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables can reduce pressure and inflammation in the colon.
The exact causes of diverticular disease are not known, but the condition has repeatedly been associated with a low fiber diet.
Cardiovascular disease and cholesterol
Increased fiber intake has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A review of 67 separate controlled trials found that even a modest 10-gram per day increase in fiber intake reduced LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol.
Recent studies have shown that dietary fiber may play a role in regulating the immune system and inflammation. In this way, it may decrease the risk of inflammation-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
Diabetes
While there aren't many studies on the effect of chia on blood glucose and insulin resistance, a 2017 study suggests that chia seeds may have the ability to convert glucose into a slow-release carbohydrate. This could have a positive effect on people with type 2 diabetes.
High-fiber diets are associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes, and eating high-fiber meals helps to keep blood sugar stable.
Based on a review of findings from several large studies, The National Institute of Medicine found that diets with 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories were associated with significant reductions in the risk of both coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Digestion and detox
A diet with adequate fiber prevents constipation and promotes regularity for a healthy digestive tract. Regular bowel movements are crucial for the daily excretion of toxins through the bile and stool.
