If you’re looking for a healthy new food staple to compliment your current diet, there are plenty of popular super foods to consider. But if you’re interested in increasing your intake of fiber, calcium, antioxidants and protein while curbing your appetite, look no further than the chia seed.
What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds are produced from salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. As early as 3500 B.C., chia seeds were a staple in the human diet, but their popularity faded over time. The word chia actually stems from a similar word in the Mayan language that means strength. Historically, chia was considered to be almost magical because of its ability to increase energy and stamina over long periods of time.
Today, many of the world’s best athletes use chia seeds to increase endurance. And as modern nutritionists look for ways to bring important nutrients back into the human diet, chia seeds are making a comeback.
How can we benefit from eating them?
#1: Chia seeds deliver maximum nutrients with minimum calories.
Just two tablespoons of chia seeds each day can provide 42% of the daily recommended value of fiber, in addition to twice as many antioxidants as blueberries, six times more calcium than milk and 100% more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon. They’re also a great source of protein, magnesium, iron and zinc.
#2: The fiber in chia helps fight disease.
According to the American Dietetic Association, the average American only consumes 12 to 15 grams of fiber each day, although the recommended dose is 20 to 35 grams. Chia seeds have the ability to fill that void for many Americans. The ADA states that populations consuming a higher amount of dietary fiber have lower rates of chronic disease.
#3: Chia can help with weight loss by making you feel fuller longer.
Some studies show that low-calorie chia seeds have the ability to expand to curb your appetite. They are also known to naturally regulate your blood sugar, which helps put a stop to cravings. Therefore, many people use chia seeds to supplement weight loss.
As your community healthcare experts, we love sharing tips and tricks to keep you as healthy as possible. Give chia seeds a try! And as always, feel free to give us a call at [phone_main] with any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you soon!