8 benefits of CHIA SEEDS

1

SUPERFOOD STATUS

Chia seeds have a denser nutrient content than most other foods. Along with fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and many essential vitamins, they also contain amino acids, some of which your body can’t produce naturally and can access only through food. (See how nutrient-rich a single tablespoon of chia seeds is in the breakdown on the right.) 2

LOW-CARB FRIENDLY

The entire carb content of chia takes the form of fibre, making the seeds a low-carb food. Fibre is beneficial for the maintenance of gut health. With 40% of its weight in fibre, chia seeds are one of the highest sources of fibre on the market! 3

LOADED WITH ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals, which damage your cells. This damage leads to visible ageing, diabetes, heart disease or even cancers. The powerful antioxidants contained in chia seeds help to maintain healthy cells by removing free radicals from your body. 4

HIGH IN QUALITY PROTEIN

The seeds have one of the highest protein contents found in plants. If you’re trying to cut down on meat, chia is a helpful protein alternative. And as a macronutrient, protein is a key building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and even blood. 5

PROMOTE WEIGHT LOSS

Chia seeds can swell up to 12 times their original size when added to liquid. Through absorption, they take on a gel-like texture, similar to the tapioca balls found in bubble tea. This means that when the seeds expand in your stomach, you’ll feel more satiated. 6

PROMOTE BONE HEALTH

They contain calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein – a winning combination for your bones! In fact, you can get more calcium from a small handful of chia seeds than from most dairy products. Long-term calcium consumption will benefit you as you age, when the risk of bone fractures increases. 7

STABILISE BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

If you have type 2 diabetes, chia may be the best ingredient to add to your diet. They won’t spike your blood sugar because of their fibre content, and they don’t need insulin to be broken down. Instead, chia seeds help to stabilise blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar after meals. 8

HIGH IN OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Gram for gram, chia seeds have more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon! Omega-3s are the key to maintaining good heart health, mental health as well as eye health.