Why Is Everyone Eating Chia Seeds?

Chia Seeds.

The first time I heard about it was as the key ingredient in the gag gift known as 

"the pottery that grows." Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia! 

Yesterday, I was at the super market and I saw a package of Chia Seeds and since everyone is talking about it (Chia seeds, chia bars, chia snacks, chia drinks) and eating/drinking it I decided to buy some. When I was about to pay a guy asked me the benefits of the Chia Seeds or why was I buying them ... 

The truth was that I just bought them because of the popularity of it, so this morning I decided to do a research on their benefits and this is what I found out about them.

Chia Seeds come from the desert plant a member of the mint family. Salvia hispanica seed is often sold under its common name "chia" as well as several trademarked names. Its origin is believed to be in Central America where the seed was a staple in the ancient Aztec diet. The seeds of a related plant, Salvia columbariae (golden chia), were used primarily by Native Americans in the southwestern United States. Chia will keep you fuller longer and prevent you from overeating. You have that feeling of fullness in your stomach because when you wet chia seeds, they form a gelatinous substance that takes longer to digest.

So I will leave you 10 things you need to know about Chia Seeds:

1.    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Chia seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds' lipid profile is composed of 60 percent omega-3s, making them one of the richest plant-based sources of these fatty acids

2.    Minerals

Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 18 percent of the DRI for calcium, 35 percent for phosphorus, 24 percent for magnesium and about 50 percent for manganese.

3.    Gluten-Free

Chia seeds contain no gluten or grains.

4.    Fiber

Fiber is associated with reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and regulating bowel function.

5.    Antioxidants

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer.

6.    Satiety

Satiety is the feeling of being full and satisfied, which helps lower food cravings between meals.

7.    Egg Replacer

The outer layer of chia seeds swells when mixed with liquids to form a gel. This can used in place of eggs to lower cholesterol and increase the nutrient content of foods and baked goods.

8.    Dyslipidemia

A study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" showed that chia seeds as a dietary fat source can lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels while increasing HDL or "good" cholesterol.

9.    Blood Sugar Regulation

Chia seeds can play an important role in regulating insulin levels.

10. They Are High in Many Important Bone Nutrients

Chia seeds are high in several nutrients that are important for bone health, this includes calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein.

Try adding Chia Seeds to your water ♥

- Maritza Valdez