If there was a food that could be considered holy, it should be the chia seeds!
Full of vitamins and minerals, these seeds help keep weight under control, reduce sugar cravings, and fight free radicals. They have infinite benefits and really are a miracle for health!
Nutritional Value
One portion of 2 tablespoons of these amazing seeds provides 117 calories, 4 grams of protein, a little over 8 grams of fiber and an amount of Omega-3 essential oils five times greater than what is contained in a quarter cup of nuts.
Moreover, they are also a rich source of iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium and have more protein than soybeans.
Origin
They are derived from the plant called Hispanic sage in South America, part of the mint family, used by the Aztecs and Mayans for centuries.
There have been mentioned ever since the sixteenth century in Aztec documents – Codex Mendoza – as the most complex source of energy and power.
Chia is the Mayan word for “strength.”
Appearance & Consumption
These seeds are found in three colors (beige, brown, and black) and are easy to chew.
They can be eaten raw or lightly roasted. Also, the seeds can be processed into flour and used for the preparation of your favorite sweets. Chia seeds have no taste, so in order to enjoy flavors, you will have to mix the seeds with other foods.
Chia seeds turn into gelatin / creamy paste when in contact with water or other liquids. You can add them in milk with cereal, fruit and vegetable salads, sandwiches, sauces, and dressings.
Michael Roizen, MD, co-author of You Staying Young, recommends:
“Use chia seeds in foods, not as a supplement, but as an alternative to processed grains like white bread because it is a much healthier whole grain.”
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Quickly Provide A Feeling Of Satiety And Help Lose Weight
They are recommended in weight loss diets due to its almost null caloric content and its rich nutrients, which are designed to quickly install the feeling of satiety and to chase away hunger.
In other words, nourish the body without the risk of gaining weight, as it happens with many other types of foods.
When in contact with water, the seeds turn into a kind of gel that increases in size. These seeds install a feeling of fullness and inhibit appetite, preventing overeating, which leads to overweight and obesity.
They Provide Energy To The Body And Strengthen The Immune System
Chia seeds are rightly considered allied to a strong and healthy body.
Due to the rich content of proteins, they increase the body’s energy level.
Proteins, along with Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and other nutrients, strengthen immunity and prevent disease.
They Prevent Diabetes
Regular consumption of chia helps regulate blood sugar levels and combat the risk of diabetes, nowadays a common disease worldwide.
The seeds are also beneficial for those who already suffer from diabetes because they have a very low glycemic index and they favor slow digestion of foods.
They Help Digestion And Prevent Gastrointestinal Diseases
The “strength” seeds are the most beneficial food for the human digestive system due to their high content of fiber.
They contain both types of fiber – soluble and insoluble – which help slow the digestion of food, so it does not affect insulin levels in the body.
The colon is well hydrated during the consumption of these seeds, preventing diverticulitis (inflammation of diverticula which most often lie along the walls of the large intestine).
TheyPreventCardiovascular Diseases
Frequent consumption of seeds has a beneficial effect on the heart’s health.
They regulate blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and prevent diabetes – thus removing some of the biggest risk factors underlying the outbreak of heart diseases.
They Help Control Sleep disorders And Stimulate The Body’s Relaxation
Researchers found that chia contains tryptophan, an amino acid that has positive effects on sleep during the night.
Tryptophan helps relax the body and facilitates a fast entry into the specific sleep trance so that the body receives adequate rest.
They PreventCancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells.
Play a crucial role in the fight against many types of cancer. Integrated on the weekly diet, these seeds kill cancer cells and repair damaged DNA in the body.
They Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The rich concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids found in chia helps lubricate joints and maintain their suppleness.
Once inside the body, essential fatty acids turn into prostaglandin, a substance that relieves pain and inflammation.
Doctors have noticed that arthritis patients who introduced into their diet reported less pain and uncomfortable inflammation than those who have not consumed these seeds.
Due to the fact that they give lots of energy and are rich in fiber and perfectly digestible protein, helping in tissue regeneration, the seeds are the perfect ally if you want to stay in shape and have a fit body.
Drink these seeds soaked in water before training or sports competitions, as they hydrate the body very well.
They Improve Brain Functions
Eating chia seeds brings a lot of benefits on an intellectual level as well.
According to experts, this plant makes the brain membranes more sensitive and improve brain functions: memory, thinking, etc.
This is likely due to their content of omega-3 ALA, that your brain uses to make DHA fatty acids – a necessity for a healthy brain function.
They PreventPremature Aging AndIncreaseLongevity
Play an important role in maintaining youth and naturalness of the body due to an increased content of antioxidants.
These nutrients prevent the degradation of cells in the body and help fight diseases that age the body.
However, not just the antioxidants contribute to the increased longevity of the body; the fibers that help digestion and detoxify the body are equally important for maintaining health and preventing the aging process as well.
They Strengthen TheBonesAnd PreventOsteoporosis
The seeds are rich in calcium, a crucial mineral for the health of bones.
They contain six times more calcium than milk per portion and are the basic food both for children who are growing up and need this nutrient for the development of strong bones and for women, who are prone to osteoporosis.
Regular consumption of chia seeds strengthens the bones and prevents fractures and other affections.
Due to its detoxifying properties, these seeds work as a natural “detergent” for your body!
Think of them like a vacuum cleaner – besides filling you with vitamins and beneficial minerals, it also “absorbs” all harmful substances from the body, doing a complete cleaning of the digestive system.
They are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids which promote wound healing like – acne wounds by protecting the layers of the skin from irritants and contaminants.
Furthermore, due to their high content of dietary fiber and protein, these amazing seeds can reduce the glycemic rating of a meal, that can offer important benefits to acne sufferers and diabetics.
Medical Daily informs that gastroenterologists in the United States warn about the consumption of dry chia seeds, as they can block in the esophagus, with the risk of suffocating the person.
It happened to a 39-year-old man, whose case was presented by Dr. Rebecca Rawl, from the Carolina Medical Center in New York, at the Annual Scientific Meeting of Gastroenterologists in the USA.
The man swallowed a spoonful of seeds with water and arrived at the ER. That’s because once they get into the water, chia seeds expand quickly, absorbing an amount 27 times greater than their dry state weight.
Therefore, they may block in the esophagus, especially if there is a predisposition to deglutition problems. In the case of this man, the situation became downright complicated, so doctors had to resort to using an endoscope, normally used in infants, to help the seeds pass through the digestive tract.
Although this is the first medical case of this kind, Dr. Rawl warns about the danger of dry seed consumption. For the safety of the consumers, she recommends mixing the seeds with a sufficient amount of fluids for them to expand before eating.
I have had a Aortic Valve replacement and therefore need daily medication of Warfarin, blood thinner. I was told that because of the medication I should not take Chia seeds is this correct.
Best regards, and stay safe.
For over a year, I’ve been taking half a glass with water and one teaspoon of chia seeds every morning and evening. I let it sit for an hour for the seeds to expand and I also add half a lemon juice to the water.
Thankyou for the very important and good reason to used this China seeds I used this before but I stop now I have a reason start using it again after all the benifits that I need. I appreciate your good intentions to others.
I thought that Chia seeds were just another “far diet” thing. I had no idea that they had such good for you nuitients. I know my local Aldi’s carry Chia seeds, now I will add them regularly to my diet because I am a diabetic ( type II) and this will be another bullet in my arsenal.
Thank you for this important and detailed info regarding chia seeds. I use them in the morning with my oatmeal breakfast (about 1 teaspoon). Just want to know what is normal daily potion of chia seeds and when better to take it – morning, daytime or evening.
I am using them after dinner taking a chia seeds soaked in water for an HR…it helped me to clean my digestive system effectively and immediately.. in morning.
Wow 😲 I really enjoyed reading this wonderful and miraculous seed ,usually i make a cracker of combination of Chia and other seed as well ,now I am going to use more and more!! Thank you so much 🙏🏻
Thank for this information, I used them off and on throughout the years. Never knowing all they could help my body with. I have a large container and as of today I will add them to my diet daily
I read one comment that you take 1 tsp in the AM with lemon juice . I then read the recommended dosage is 1 TBSP. I just wanted to clarify if you take 1 tsp or 1 tbsp twice a day?
I add chia seeds to my smoothies in the morning.
Thank you for the details on added benefits that chia seeds will give me.
Also. I buy mine at my local aldi store. But i also saw them at walmart.
Hi,
Thank you very much for sharing the very helpful information about Chia seeds.
What about children who are overweighted? I have any idea
How much they should take a day? I read in your post that they give energy, what about hyper kids they can still take it? It will not encrease their energy?
Thank you again 😊👍
About 5g per day is sufficient for kids. Chia seeds are a good source of energy, but they dont act as a central nervous system stimulant like caffeine.
Better to grind Chia seeds to avoid the expansion after consumption, to the point of giving discomfort. I used to take Chia seeds whole and would get bad stomach cramps afterwards. Then I started grinding the seeds before consumption and it stopped.
Go back and read the caution. It said to use the seeds AFTER they have expanded. No grinding needed as they have already expanded in some kind of liquid before eating them.
30th Dec 2030 Let’s see how it works
I’m in London- lock#### is causing me to put on weight. I’ll be getting some seeds and will post an update in the new year .
I have a recipe somewhere for a chocolate pudding using Chia Seeds, and it was very good. I will have to find it and start using it again after reading all these benefits.
Thanku..for information about chia seeds
Are they good for people with celiac disease
I have had a Aortic Valve replacement and therefore need daily medication of Warfarin, blood thinner. I was told that because of the medication I should not take Chia seeds is this correct.
Best regards, and stay safe.
Vielen dank ,es war prima
right time to eat chiya seeds. night time or morning time ? Are chiya seeds heat the body or cool the body ? Is any measurements to eat chiya seeds
For over a year, I’ve been taking half a glass with water and one teaspoon of chia seeds every morning and evening. I let it sit for an hour for the seeds to expand and I also add half a lemon juice to the water.
And what happened????
Thank you
Thankyou for the very important and good reason to used this China seeds I used this before but I stop now I have a reason start using it again after all the benifits that I need. I appreciate your good intentions to others.
I thought that Chia seeds were just another “far diet” thing. I had no idea that they had such good for you nuitients. I know my local Aldi’s carry Chia seeds, now I will add them regularly to my diet because I am a diabetic ( type II) and this will be another bullet in my arsenal.
Thank you for this important and detailed info regarding chia seeds. I use them in the morning with my oatmeal breakfast (about 1 teaspoon). Just want to know what is normal daily potion of chia seeds and when better to take it – morning, daytime or evening.
1 tablespoon for breakfast and another one for lunch is the commonly recommended dosage.
I am using them after dinner taking a chia seeds soaked in water for an HR…it helped me to clean my digestive system effectively and immediately.. in morning.
Where can you buy the seeds
In store:)
Srilanka avalable every where…
Tj max , Marshall’s, home goods have a great price on them and Himalayan salt
Thanks for your valuable information
Wow 😲 I really enjoyed reading this wonderful and miraculous seed ,usually i make a cracker of combination of Chia and other seed as well ,now I am going to use more and more!! Thank you so much 🙏🏻
Thank for this information, I used them off and on throughout the years. Never knowing all they could help my body with. I have a large container and as of today I will add them to my diet daily
How far ahead can you make the mixture?
Where can i buy these chia seeds?
Fantastic! I value this information greatly. Thanks for sharing
Hi thanks for the valuable info
I take 1 tblsp daily with my breakfast cereal n now I’ll make it a habit to have regularly
I would like to have it let me know where to get it please 😊
Any grocery store including Aldis
Home bargains
I get mine at Natural Grocers
Costco do a huge bag good price
Tj max, Marshall’s and home goods
I would love to have it 😊
I read one comment that you take 1 tsp in the AM with lemon juice . I then read the recommended dosage is 1 TBSP. I just wanted to clarify if you take 1 tsp or 1 tbsp twice a day?
on my package the serving size says 2Tbsp. I have 2 every morning soaked in almond or banana milk. Then I add different toppings daily for variation.
Both morning and evening before you go to bed is fine
I add chia seeds to my smoothies in the morning.
Thank you for the details on added benefits that chia seeds will give me.
Also. I buy mine at my local aldi store. But i also saw them at walmart.
If you add them to your smoothies do you wait an hour before drinking ?
Hi,
Thank you very much for sharing the very helpful information about Chia seeds.
What about children who are overweighted? I have any idea
How much they should take a day? I read in your post that they give energy, what about hyper kids they can still take it? It will not encrease their energy?
Thank you again 😊👍
About 5g per day is sufficient for kids. Chia seeds are a good source of energy, but they dont act as a central nervous system stimulant like caffeine.
2 TBSP CHIA SEEDS
HALF A LEMON SQUEEZE
2TBSP APPLE CIDER
1TBSP HONEY
MIX IT WITH 1 1/2 GLASS OF WATER
Taking a blood thinner and and cholesterol pill we’ll taken chi seed well it do anything to me
No i am on both + I take Chia seeds daily mixed as a gel the night before + also add 2 Tbsp to my oatmeal second breakfast lol , their amazing
How can I get it
Please give me a good Chia weight loss program
Breakfast meal
2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1/3 cup coconut unsweetened milk and 1tsp if vanilla let sit overnight
Hi, you can have at Costco
Organic and good price ☺️
Great information thanks
I had stopped taking them for no reason at all. But I am resuming consumption after reading this great information!
Have had Chia in my Pantry for a while now without knowing the benefits and how to use it. Thanks a lot for this detailed information.
You can buy Chia at Walmart.
I heard if you take them they will help you lose weight. Is this true?
Better to grind Chia seeds to avoid the expansion after consumption, to the point of giving discomfort. I used to take Chia seeds whole and would get bad stomach cramps afterwards. Then I started grinding the seeds before consumption and it stopped.
Go back and read the caution. It said to use the seeds AFTER they have expanded. No grinding needed as they have already expanded in some kind of liquid before eating them.
This is great information. Does it help you to lose weight? I need to lose about 60 – 70 lbs and I need help to do it.
❤️
Thanks for the info I am from Johannesburg South Africa
Thank you very much for giving theses valuable information about this amazing chia seed. !
This is much helpful. Thank you so much 🙏
how should the Chia seed be consumed, to promote weight loss
30th Dec 2030 Let’s see how it works
I’m in London- lock#### is causing me to put on weight. I’ll be getting some seeds and will post an update in the new year .
I have a recipe somewhere for a chocolate pudding using Chia Seeds, and it was very good. I will have to find it and start using it again after reading all these benefits.