Have you been hearing a lot of good things about chia seeds?
Nowadays, chia seeds are available as whole seeds, ground seeds, chia seed flour, and other products. If you are thinking of buying a pack of seeds to use as an ingredient in your usual dishes or some Chia Flour to bake your favorite pastries, below is key information about chia seeds that you might be interested to know:
- Chia seeds were a staple food of the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations.
Certain evidence suggests that chia seeds were an important food crop consumed by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. According to researchers, chia seeds were used as an offering to important rulers and leaders and during major rituals. Whether whole or ground, chia seeds were cultivated primarily in Guatemala and Mexico. Today, they continue to provide nutrition and sustenance not only for the people in Central and South America but also for consumers all over the world.
- Chia seeds are loaded with fiber.
Despite their size, chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber. Measuring only about 2 millimeters and weighing about 1.5 milligrams per seed, it is tiny, flat, and oval-shaped and contains 34.4 grams of fiber per 100 grams. Whether to improve digestion or lose weight, it is a highly recommended addition to one’s regular diet.
- Chia seeds contain an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids.
To be healthy for a very long time, the human body needs essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids. With a sufficient supply of omega-3, risks of high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, high cholesterol, and other medical conditions can be reduced. And because chia seeds have high levels of omega-3, including them in your diet, whether as whole seeds or in the form of chia flour, is good for your overall health and wellbeing.
- Chia seeds are good for diabetes.
Chia seeds can help with insulin tolerance for better blood sugar level management in diabetic patients. Those living with diabetes have to keep track of what they eat and stick to a particular diet plan to manage their blood sugar levels, and chia seeds can be a great help in keeping them on the right path towards their health goals. Furthermore, as chia seeds are gluten-free and digestion-friendly, they help prevent hunger, slow down the release of glucose into the blood, and promote regular bowel movements.
- Chia seeds are a good source of protein.
Compared to most grains and cereals, chia seeds contain more protein. Consumed as is or as chia seed flour for baking, they can make you feel fuller for longer. They are a top-notch plant-based protein source, so they are great for vegetarians, but they are not recommended to be the only protein source of any diet, most especially for children.
- Chia seeds provide a wide variety of minerals but are not a reliable source of vitamins.
There are plenty of minerals found in chia seeds, but the most abundant of them are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, and copper. All of these are essential for the body’s growth and development and help in the prevention of various health problems.
