While on a quick grocery run in the crowded supermarket I picked up a small packet of chia seeds (also known as Sabja in India) instead of mustard seeds. Chia seeds were not on my shopping list but this small goof up turned out quite beneficial for me. I have read about chia seeds sometimes back and always wanted to try them. Chia seeds are among the healthiest foods on the planet.
These tiny seeds are full of amazing nutrients, low in calories and plus they soak up water like no other ingredient I ever came across. Seriously, they absorb 10-12 times their weight in water giving us a feeling of fullness and reducing the craving for snacks in between meal. A daily dose of 1 ounce or 28 grams or 2 tablespoons of Chia seeds is an easy and cheap way to add many amazing nutrients to our body.
5 Benefits of Chia Seeds for Weight Loss, Strong Bones and Much More:
1. Tiny Powerhouse of Nutrients:
A tiny Chia Seed is a powerhouse of Nutrients with negligible Calories. These were an important food for the Aztecs in fact the word “Chia” means “Strenght” in Mayan Language.
In an tablespoon of chia seeds there is 40% Fiber, 14% good quality Protein, 18% Omega – 3s Fat and 18% Calcium besides these amazing nutrients it has decent amount of Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B2.
2. Full of Fiber that makes you full fast:
The fiber in chia seeds can absorb up to 9 to 10 times their weight in water, it expands and becomes like a gel and the more water or fluids you take in the more it will keep expanding. Not only does Chia seed make us full fast it keeps us full for a longer time discouraging snacking in between meal.
The Fiber also nourishes the good bacteria in the intestine, which helps to improve our digestive system. A regular bowel movement helps to remove toxins and give a relief from constipation or bloating.
3. Antioxidants, Iron, Zinc & Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Chia seeds are a great source of antioxidants, Iron, Zinc and Omega-3 Fatty Acids that keeps our body young and strong.
4. Protein:
Chia Seeds is a rich vegetarian source of great quality Protein. Chia seeds contain a good balance of amino acids, which is essential for our body to build muscles. The high protein in chia seeds helps to reduce appetite that helps in weight loss.
5. Calcium:
Chia seeds are high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and protein. All of these nutrients are essential for bone health.
Some people sprinkle Chia seeds on salads or other kinds of food. This is not a good idea as these seeds soak a lot of moisture and eating them before soaking can cause dehydration and discomfort. Soak Chia seeds in water for roughly 2 hours before consuming them to avoid any kind of uneasy feeling. Moreover, after soaking they become gel like which gives a quick feeling of being full and it also keeps our stomach full for longer duration.
You can consume Chia seeds with your morning smoothies, juices, oatmeal, milk and milkshakes, protein shakes, desserts like puddings or you can also gulp down 1 or 2 tablespoons of soaked Chia Seeds with plain water or lemon water. I prefer eating these in the mornings as they keep me full for a long time. They don’t have any taste of their own so you can easily add them to any drink of your choice.
Today this is how I had Chia seeds with a delicious morning Beetroot and Carrot smoothie.
How I made my easy delicious smoothie:
Blend 1 beetroot + 1 Carrot in a high power blender.
Add 1 tablespoon soaked Chia seeds and enjoy the filling delicious healthy smoothie that is very filling.
If you need some seasoning sprinkle little black pepper powder and Himalayan Pink salt.
If you want to know more about Chia seeds the book below can help plus it comes up with lots of healthy recipes.
“In terms of nutritional content, a tablespoon of chia is like a smoothie made from salmon, spinach, and human growth hormone. As tiny as those seeds are, they’re super packed with Omega-3s, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, fiber and antioxidants.” Monica Van Zandt
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Wow I love chia seeds after reading this article I really need to take it into my diet
fitnesssculpts recently posted…10 amazing health benefits of chia seeds
Nice Post Yamini, I am trying to shed some weight. Already using Flaxseeds, Tahini seeds etc, I heard much about chia seeds but didnt gave them a try. After reading such a huge benifits here, I will buy them asap. As they fit best in my diet plan with their filling property with high protein and fiber with many other vitamins and minerals that boost fat burning.
Thanks again for Sharing 🙂
Seema