Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
Chia seeds are considered one of the most popular superfoods on the planet! People are adding these tiny seeds to everything, including yogurts, smoothies, and desserts.
Chia seeds are derived from Salvia hispanica (the chia plant) and are native to southern and central Mexico and Guatemala.
There is also a 3:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 in chia seeds.
The chia seed is loaded with fiber and protein. They are a good source of manganese, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and the B vitamins B1, B2, and B3.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
Nutrient Amount Daily Value
Vitamin C 0.44 mg 6 %
Vitamin E 0.14 mg 4 %
Vitamin B1 0.174 mg 53 %
Vitamin B2 0.05 mg 3 %
Vitamin B3 2.47 mg 43 %
Chia Nutrition Chart For Vitamins
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
Chia Nutrition Chart For Minerals
Nutrient Amount Daily Value
Manganese 0.6 mg 30%
Magnesium 93.8 mg 30%
Calcium 177 mg 18%
Phosphorus 265 mg 27%
Zinc 1.0 mg 7%
Iron 2.16 mg 45 %
Potassium 44.8 mg 1%
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
Chia Nutrition Chart For Macronutrient
Nutrient Amount Daily Value
Calories 137 7%
Carbohydrates 12.3 g 4%
Fiber 10.6 g 42%
Protein 4.4 g 9%
Total Fat 8.6 g 13%
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
4,915 mg NA
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
1,620 mg NA
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
10 Proven Health Benefits of Chia
1. Lower blood pressure
Chia seeds contain important nutrients, including potassium and magnesium that help reduce blood pressure. A 2007 study found that chia seeds could significantly lower blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
2. Combat diabetes
Chia seeds are also being studied as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Rat studies have found that chia seeds can help regulate insulin resistance and stabilize blood sugar levels.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
3. Important for heart health
In a 2007 study published in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers discovered that chia seed supplementation could improve major and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in patients with controlled type 2 diabetes.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
4. Help improve digestion
Frequent constipation is known to affect more than four million Americans. The fiber found in chia seeds can also help reduce constipation. For best results, pre-soak the chia seeds for approximately 15 minutes and then combine a glass of water with one to two tablespoons of chia seeds.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
5. Good for weight loss
High protein found in chia seeds may help people control cravings.In a 2009 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, chia seeds were found to reduce the visceral fat in rats that were fed a sugar-heavy diet. The fiber content found in chia seeds also has you feeling fuller for longer periods of time.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
6. Good vegan source of omega-3
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are two omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for inflammation reduction, heart health, and increasing cognitive function. Chia seeds contain 20% of the omega-3 ALA and plant-based sources of ALA, and are thought to have a problem converting to EPA and DHA.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
7. Good for bone health
Chia seeds also contain nutrients important for bone health, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein. Chia seeds are an excellent plant-based calcium alternative for vegans, and for those who can’t properly digest diary products.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
8. Effective diverticulosis treatment
Fiber consumption is traditionally low in the U.S., and diverticulosis is a common inflammatory condition that may develop as a result. The high fiber in chia seeds can help increase bowel movements and reduce the development of diverticulosis.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
9. Reduces risk of prostate, cervical, and breast cancer
According to a meta-analysis published in 2010, dietary ALA may actually lower the risk of prostate cancer. Study participants with a decreased prostate cancer risk consumed over 1.5 grams daily of ALA foods like chia seeds. Other evidence suggests that the ALA may also inhibit cancer cell growth in cervical and breast cancers as well.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
10. Increase performance
In a 2011 study, six participants “carb-loaded” with either Gatorade or a mixture that contained half-chia seeds and half-Gatorade. After the drink, they ran for an hour on a treadmill, then a 10-kilometer run. Researchers concluded that the chia drink was helpful for performance, and just as effective as the sugary sports drink.
Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
11. Improve dental health
The zinc, calcium, and phosphorus in chia seeds are also important for strong teeth and dental health. A study published in the Journal of Chromatography in 2014 found that the antioxidants in chia seeds could help reduce up to 70% of free radical activity.
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Jon Yanef
11 Reasons Why Chia is a Nutritional Superfood
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http://www.doctorshealthpress.com/vitamin-d-deficiency