BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS

Benefits of Chia seeds are immense and they  are harvested from a plant called Salvia hispanica and they are round in shape and brownish in colour. the plant belongs to the mint family . Chia seeds are  loaded with omega 3 fatty acids and fibre which is beneficial for health.

In this blog, I will try to summarise a few of the benefits of chia seeds.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS:

• Chia seeds helps reduce cholesterol as they are loaded with fibre.
• If you are looking to loose those extra kilograms, then chia seeds are a great option as they keep you fuller for a longer term and thus control those hunger pangs.
• Chia seeds contain about 138 calories. Great for weight watchers.
• People suffering from diabetes can take chia seeds as a part of their daily diet. Your blood sugar will be in check if you intake chia seeds regularly in a proper way.
• If you suffer from inflammatory tendencies, regular consumption of chia seeds can significantly reduce inflammation inside the body.
• Chia seeds are heart friendly as they belong to the category of healthy fats.
• If you are looking for a seed that is super rich in anti-oxidants, then chia seeds are your go to product.
• caffeic acid, quercetin, myricetin and other elements present in chia seed can help to control spread of cancer cells.
• Some researches have shown that consumption of chia seeds help reduce triglycerides.
• Your bone health will improve significantly if you consume chia seeds regularly as they contain calcium and magnesium.
• Calcium, magnesium, selenium and phosphorus are beneficial for overall bone strength.

With every advantage, comes a little bit of disadvantage. Here I am listing some of the disadvantages of chia seeds as well.

DISADVANTAGES OF CHIA SEEDS:

• You can feel constipated if you consume too much chia seeds. This happens because they are loaded with fibre. so limit the amount of consumption to avoid constipation and bloating.
• If you are allergic to seeds, then do not consume chia seeds as they might aggravate your condition.
• These seeds are known to reduce diabetes . So if you are on medication, then please consult your doctor before consuming them.
• Your consumption levels are to watch out for . If you eat too much, then you might suffer from stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhoea etc.

PROCESS OF CONSUMPTION OF CHIA SEEDS:

There are several ways to consume the chia seeds and here, I am listing a few which I am aware off.

• Chia seeds are available easily and they are fairly easy to consume.
• Easiest method which I follow is soaking of the seeds overnight.
• I take a teaspoonful of chia seeds and soak them in water overnight. in the morning, a jelly like consistency develops around the seeds,
• You can add chia seeds in your morning smoothies like banana, strawberry etc .
• I sometimes prepare homemade granola bars with chia and some other seeds.
• You can grind the seeds and add them in laddus or barfi which we make at home in India.
• Sprinkle these seeds on a bowl of porridge or oatmeal and you will have a nice bowl of chia oatmeal breakfast.
• Chia puddings are famous also. You can try your hands at them also. If you are suffering from diabetes, do not add sugar in your pudding.

CONCLUSION:

If you want a daily dose of superfood, then chia seeds are one of the best options that you can avail for. It is not that expensive, readily available, easy to consume and beneficial for health.