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14ProvenHealthBenefitsofChiaSeeds

14 PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS

September 30, 2015

LAURENTINE TEN BOSCH, FILMMAKER (FOOD MATTERS (HTTP://FOODMATTERS.TV/) AND HUNGRY FOR
CHANGE (HTTP://WWW.HUNGRYFORCHANGE.TV/))

Chia seeds have so many health benets! They are one of the worlds oldest sources
of nutrition, documented to have been eaten by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans as
early as 3500 BC and even used for medicinal purposes.
Today, thanks to their wide-spread availability, theyre a powerhouse addition to
anybody's diet! Rich in nutrients and so easy to use, they can be eaten raw, soaked in
juice, added to porridge (https://www.fmtv.com/watch/chia-seed-porridge), puddings
(http://foodmatters.tv/content/chia-pudding-with-granola-and-mixed-berries), and
baked goods (http://www.foodmatters.tv/content/almond-chia-seed-bread), and even
included into your smoothies (http://foodmatters.tv/content/walnut-browniebreakfast-smoothie-recipe), breakfasts, yogurt, salads, quinoa and veggie dishes
(http://foodmatters.tv/content/stir-fried-veg-with-chili-ginger-chia-jam-recipe).
They also have an amazing ability to absorb water and fat, so they can be used to
thicken sauces or as a vegan egg substitute (http://foodmatters.tv/content/easy-eggsubstitutions-a-how-to-guide) in recipes too!
Here are 14 proven health benets of chia seeds:

1. They Are Rich In Antioxidants

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1. They Are Rich In Antioxidants

Chia seeds are high in antioxidants (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24811150)
which helps ght free radical damage in the body, but also helps to prevent the
healthy fats from going rancid in the seeds. You also don't need to grind them to a
meal like you do with axseeds to get the most benets!

2. Chia Seeds Are Typically Non-GMO And Grown

Organically
Chia seeds are organic, raw, Non-GMO, non-irradiated, and produced without
pesticides which means theyre one of the worlds purest seeds, so you can eat them
without worrying about consuming harmful pesticide residues!

3. Chia Seeds Are Suitable For A Low Carb Diet

If youre watching your carbohydrate intake, then chia seeds are your friend! The net
carb content is only 1 gram per ounce, which is really low! Plus, as chia seeds contain
so much ber, they can also help you stay full for longer - supporting any weight loss
eorts, or simply curbing those hunger pangs.

4. Theyre Good For Your Digestive System

The ber in chia seeds also help to support your digestive system. Feeding the
bacteria in the intestine, which helps them to thrive and nourish your body with
essential compounds for immunity and overall health.

5. Chia Seeds Are A Great Source Of Plant Protein

These tiny little seeds are about 14% protein, which is high compared to most plants!
A diet higher in protein has been shown to help reduce appetite, improve muscle
repair, and even curb nighttime snacking
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20847729) by 50%!

6. Trying To Lose Weight? Add Chia!

Due to the protein and ber content of chia, as well as its ability to absorb a stack of
water (hello tummy-lling power!), chia seeds make a great addition to your diet if
youre trying to maintain or lose weight (http://foodmatters.tv/content/losing-weighthormones-vs-calories).

7. Chia Seeds Support Healthy Bones

Gram for gram, chia seeds have more calcium than most dairy products providing
18% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults in a single ounce! As well as
being high in several nutrients important for bone health, including calcium
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(http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/what-the-dairy-industry-is-not-telling-you),
phosphorus, magnesium and protein.

8. They Help To Detoxify The Body

As the highest combined plant source of omega-3, bre and protein, chia seeds are a
great addition to your detoxication eorts. They help support your bodys natural
detoxication pathways, repair your cells, reduce inammation and support a healthy
digestive system.

9. They're A Natural Beauty Food!

The blend of nutrients in chia seeds such as healthy fats, protein and minerals
including zinc help promote healthy skin, hair and nails.

10. Protect Your Heart With Chia

Just one tablespoon of chia will provide you with 100% of your daily requirement for
omega-3 ALA. Research shows that plant-based omega-3 is essential for a healthy
heart by helping to lower cholesterol while maintaining proper artery function. Both
omega-3 ALA and DHA (found in oily sh) are vital in lowering the risk of
cardiovascular disease, and chia has plenty!

11. Reduce Your Risk Of Colon Cancer

With 36% bercontent and a perfect balance of 80% insoluble versus 20% soluble,
chia helps lower cholesterol, improves intestinal health and regularity and can reduce
the risk of colon cancer.

12. Reduce Your Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome

Chia seeds are rich in soluble ber
(https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002136.htm)which dissolves in
water, swelling to form a gel-like substance. This helps to improve your heart health
by keeping blood sugar spikes at bay and lowering cholesterol.

13. Chia Seeds Are Gluten-Free

That means Coeliacs and those intolerant to gluten are also able to enjoy the benets
of these super seeds! Plus they dont come with the potentially damaging eects of
gluten (http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/could-going-gluten-free-save-your-life) when
consumed in excess.

14. Chia Seeds Are Great For Those With Diabetes

A study (http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/30/11/2804.long)in those with Type
2 Diabetes showed that chia seeds can signicantly lower blood pressure and a
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marker for inammation.

Chia seeds arent only fun to eat, but theyre so full of goodness that youre body will
love them!

How Do You Enjoy Chia Seeds?

LiveCaramelised
Chat
Not sure where to start? Try this Vanilla Bean Chia Porridge with Sauteed

Pears (http://www.foodmatters.tv/content/vanilla-bean-chia-porridge-with-sauteedcaramel-pears-recipe) or Chia Jam! (http://foodmatters.tv/content/chia-jam-recipe)

Want more fun facts on chias health benets? Click here to nd out why its such a
wonder food! (http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/chia-seeds-for-protein-and-omega-3)

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About the Author

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About the Author

Laurentine ten Bosch

Laurentine ten Bosch, lmmaker of Food Matters and Hungry For Change and founder of
FMTV. Along with James Colquhoun, Laurentine founded Food Matters, giving people the
tools (lms, books, website, TV) to take charge of their own health. Food Matters is an
internationally acclaimed widely popular documentary about the medical and healthcare
industries. Their latest documentary, Hungry For Change, reveals how the diet and
processed food industries are the enemies of permanent weight loss, vibrant health, and
natural living. From here, FMTV was born! A place where we can access vital information by
watching all of your favorite inspiring documentaries, expert interviews & recipe videos in
one place.

(http://www.foodmatters.tv) (https://www.facebook.com/foodmatters)
(https://twitter.com/foodmatterslm)
(http://www.pinterest.com/foodmatterslm/)
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