PROPERTIES OF CHIA
Chia seeds are a very concentrated food, with an interesting nutritional composition that gives them valuable health properties:
- They are a good source of B vitamins and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.
- Its protein content is around 20%.
- They are rich in polyunsaturated oils of the omega-3 type, especially alpha linolenic acid.
- They contain abundant mucilage (25%), a type of fiber that, upon contact with water, forms a viscous gel beneficial for the intestinal flora.
Thanks to these properties, chia seeds are very useful in various situations:
- They are attributed antioxidant virtues that help delay cellular aging.
- Thanks to their healthy fats and fiber, chia seeds are considered a first-rate resource to reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the blood , while increasing HDL cholesterol. They reduce the risk of thrombi, platelet aggregation and blood viscosity.
- They are a great support in the control of blood pressure and prevention of vascular accidents.
- They own a slight hypoglycemic effect, which can be useful to people with diabetes.
- They have beneficial effects on chronic inflammatory diseases as the rheumatoid arthritis and he asthma .
- Its fiber indicates them to treat constipation and diverticulitis. In all cases, you should drink plenty of water after consumption.
Benefits of chia seeds
Helps satisfy appetite
When there are problems controlling food portions, chia is of great help, since it increases in size when hydrated , thus taking up more space in the stomach and reducing the anxiety of eating. It is important to emphasize that it should not be used as a substitute for skipping meals in the long term, because a varied diet is always the healthiest.
Reduces constipation
When chia seeds are hydrated, mucilage is formed , and this is a type of fiber that serves to facilitate intestinal transit, helping in conditions such as constipation. A tablespoon of chia provides 19% of the fiber needed per day.
Improves the appearance of the skin
Chia has micro and macronutrients that help improve skin . It has vitamin C to heal and stimulate the production of collagen that is lost with age, vitamin A that helps with dehydration and inflammation, vitamin E that protects against free radicals, as well as providing trace elements, fatty acids, amino acids, carbohydrates and flavonoids. that help the health of the skin.
They carry a good dose of Omega 3
Omega 3 is a fatty acid whose properties help us in several processes: it strengthens the central nervous system and cells, keeps our skin well hydrated and shiny , enhances our cognitive abilities, our immune system.
Purify your body and prevent oxidation
Chia seeds make it easier for our body to eliminate excess fluids and toxins, in addition to regulating the intestinal flora and slowing down the cellular oxidation process . In short, chia is responsible for regulating many bodily processes and functions that will make us feel healthy both inside and out.
Healthy joints
Many people suffer from pain in their joints. For this condition, chia seeds can be a healthy and effective solution.
Consuming chia can significantly relieve the pain that your joints cause over the years, although it will not make the wear and tear of these disappear, since this would require repairing these parts of the body in a more structural way.
A good food for your muscles
Chia seeds, as we have already mentioned, provide us with great energy, as well as fiber. But our muscles are built thanks to protein, and chia is also a food rich in it. So, It will help us increase muscle mass and regenerate those muscle tissues that need it.
