5 surprising benefits of chia seeds

Whether you enjoy a portion of fruit with yogurt and chia seeds in the morning or chia pudding every now and then, the seeds of this plant can be a huge benefit to your health. These small (but powerful) seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. Not only can you enjoy them in a variety of ways, but chia seeds also come with a number of health benefits. Here are 5 of them: Chia seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help stimulate the feeling of satiety. Fullness means fewer unhealthy snacks, which means you can avoid eating extra calories throughout the day. Someone keen on weight loss, perhaps? .

Other examples of complete proteins include animal-based foods such as dairy, eggs, fish, meat and chicken, while plant-based options include buckwheat, edamame and quinoa. Another surprising health benefit of chia seeds is that they are an excellent source of antioxidants and polyphenols such as caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, rosmarinic acid and others. Antioxidants are substances that can protect cells against free radicals, which can play a role in preventing cancer, heart disease, and other conditions, while polyphenols are beneficial plant compounds with antioxidant properties that can help maintain health and . Chia seeds contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fats and, according to Harvard Health, have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help control eczema, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

They may even play protective roles in cancer and other conditions. Emerging research suggests that including chia seeds in a healthy diet may help improve cardiovascular risk factors, such as lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. If you want to improve your heart health, grab some chia seeds. May lower LDL (bad cholesterol) The fiber in chia seeds is mainly soluble and mucilage, the substance responsible for the sticky texture of moistened chia seeds. According to Harvard Health, these fibers can help lower LDL cholesterol and slow digestion, which can prevent spikes in blood sugar after a meal and help you feel fuller.

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