To Eat or Not to Eat Chia Seeds? A Healthy Dilemma

Chia seeds are considered to be one of the top super foods out there. Although many times, people seem to give it miraculous properties it doesn't posses, it's still a healthy food for athletes.

Many specialists and nutritionist look at the “superfoods” available on the market with some distrust. Not because these ingredients don’t have the healthy properties that this category entitles. However, sometimes, people seem to give it some miraculous capabilities. Among these, chia seeds seem to be one of the most popular.

These seeds have a high concentration of omega-3 acids, more than other seeds and nuts. Additionally, they’re also rich in antioxidants, calcium, protein, and are an important source natural of fiber. However, it’s essential to know that chia seeds are not miraculous.

Generally speaking, specialists do recommend eating chia seeds as long as we keep certain precautions in mind. And so, make sure you include them in your balanced meal plan, along with regular exercise. Also, make sure you eat them in moderation and not to excess.

The benefits of eating chia seeds

These seeds come from central and south Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Additionally, we have evidence that Mesoamerican civilizations included these in their diets, especially the Mayans.

Aside from high concentrations of omega-3 and calcium, chia seeds also provide great amounts of magnesium. Therefore, they’re an ideal food to avoid and reduce inflammatory processes in the body.

Additionally, its high soluble fiber content helps and cleans the digestive tract. Consequently, maintaining hydration of the colon.

Furthermore, chia seeds have the most complete energy content among plant-based foods. As such, they maintain low blood glucose levels, avoiding episodes of energy lapses. Additionally, this also positively impacts the insulin hormone, thereby reducing the risk of suffering from type II diabetes.

Chia seeds and weight control

Most of the “miraculous” properties acquired over the years are concerning its effectiveness in weight loss and weight control. And so, it’s high fiber content increases the body’s ability to assimilate certain foods. Despite its size, it’s quite satiating, making it perfect for snacks.

Consequently, these properties have the ability to absorb up to 10 times their weight in water. They increase in size in the stomach, which helps keep you full for a longer period. In order to optimize this effect, specialists recommend combining it with liquids, such as water or fruit juices.

Gluten free

Another one of its great benefits is that they are completely gluten-free. Therefore, this is a great food for people who are gluten intolerant or those who have celiac disease.

Additionally, these are also a must on the menu of people who suffer from hyperthyroidism and hypoglycemia. They’re also great for fighting certain gastric symptoms such as acid reflux and keeping cholesterol level in check.

A versatile food

Adding to their already countless properties, chia seeds are quite versatile in the kitchen. You can add them directly to water or natural fruit juices for consistency. And so, this drink is beneficial for athletes after training. The main benefit of including them to beverages is that you can hydrate with a drink high in carbohydrates and low in sugars.

Additionally, you can also include this ingredient in many recipes since they go great with virtually any other food. The most common combinations are in salads, but you can also include them in rice, pasta, veggie burgers, and even as an egg substitute in desserts. We highly recommend them in chocolate pudding, for example.

Some disadvantages of chia seeds

There are certain problems related to the consumption of chia seeds, however, it’s more about how they’re used. Although many think that they can help you lose weight on their own, this isn’t entirely true. Just like they can’t reduce cholesterol levels and grow muscles on their own.

Furthermore, these natural ingredients don’t have special properties such as curing cancer or diabetes. And so, the excess consumption of these seeds could have some gastrointestinal complications.

On the other hand, they can also pose certain difficulties for the body to absorb calcium, iron, and other minerals. These minerals are essential for the correct functioning of the body, thus posing a serious risk.

Finally, since it has a high content of blood thinning elements, you shouldn’t combine them with a medicine of the same effect. Otherwise, you’ll risk hemorrhages that don’t easily heal.

To sum up, we could say that chia seeds are great for health, but you must consume them responsibly. Have you tried this superfood? Are you ready to include them in your diet?