As a health buff, you have probably heard of the term “superfood.” To the unaware, this is a kind of food known for being nutrient-rich that promotes good health and maintains our well-being. There are literally dozens of foods out there that fit into this category, which altogether make for great food choices. Of these, chia seeds make a notable presence.
But what is it about this “pseudo-grain” that makes it so healthful, essentially making it worthy of the label “superfood”?
Rich in Antioxidants
A single serving of chia seeds—typically, 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls—contains an abundant supply of antioxidants whose primary purpose is to fight off disease-causing free radicals. This means that a regular consumption of chia seeds can significantly keep the body free from sickness, including cancer.
It has lots of Fiber
One of the major reasons to add chia seeds as part of your diet is in its rich consistency of fiber which provides a wide range of benefits to the body. Whether it is to lose weight, help regulate bowel movement, lower the body’s bad cholesterol, etc., the fiber in chia seeds does all these things. For best results, pair the consumption of this food with plenty of water.
High in Protein
If you’re trying to cut back on your meat consumption or are not eating it at all due to eating principle but are concerned about your protein intake, eating a daily serving of chia seeds should keep your worry at bay.
For instance, a single tablespoon of chia seeds contains enough protein in it to make for a substitute for an egg.
But ensuring that the body is getting sufficient amount of protein is only one aspect why you should include chia seeds in your diet. The protein in this food also has the power to slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates that result to added sugar in the blood. Meaning, people who suffer from a case of elevated blood sugar level like diabetics should consider eating a healthy dose of protein, such as by eating chia seeds, to manage their condition.
Contains an Assortment of Needed Minerals
Consuming a single serving of chia seeds is enough to fill a good portion of the body’s required nutritional intake of the following minerals: calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. All of these are essential to the normal functioning of the human body.
Thriving Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acid
The omega-3 fatty acid is one good example of a “healthy” kind of fats that people should add into their diet. Chia seeds makes for a healthy source of this fat. Its major benefit lies in the regulation of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol which maintains the health of our heart.
It is without a doubt that chia seeds have all the hallmarks of a superfood based on the information listed. But as good as this food is to the body, it is worth realizing that moderation is still a very important to consider with regards to chia seeds. After all, too much of anything—even for something as beneficial—can also result to something bad.
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