Chia seeds: Why you should love them

You have probably heard of them. There’s a chance you have heard of ‘chia pudding’ and wondered why on earth a person would enjoy a pudding made from seeds and water. Well, Natural Health list some reasons why chia seeds should be in your shopping trolley…

They are energy boosting

If you fall victim to the dreaded afternoon slump and are in need of an extra energy boost, chia seeds are the perfect pick-me-up. They have the ability to slow the conversion of carbohydrates and enzymes, meaning energy is released slowly and more regularly. This helps to keep energy levels constant, not leaving you feeling drained come 3pm.

They balance sugar levels

Chia seeds have been found to successfully help those living with type 2 diabetes. Chia seeds have a high fibre content and their ability to slow digestion means they can reduce blood sugar spikes and keep blood sugar levels regular.

They hydrate the body

Whether you are exercising, or suffering in the (finally) rising temperatures, it is important to stay hydrated. If you struggle to drink enough water, a great way to maximise hydration is through soaking chia seeds in water or a nut milk. The seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight, storing the much-needed hydration and releasing it to the body slowly.

They help strengthen bones and teeth

They may be tiny, but chia seeds are high in important vitamins needed for bone health, including calcium, phosphorus, protein and magnesium. Though they are not just a source of calcium for those who don’t consume dairy - gram for gram, they have a higher calcium content than many dairy products, meaning everybody should try them!

They help you remember things

Yes, chia seeds could be the solution to your forgetful moments. These small seeds are packed with omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are important for keeping the brain healthy and are even thought to help protect against the onset of dementia.

They protect your heart

Chia seeds have been found to lower cholesterol, improve blood pressure and even hold anti-inflammatory effects, all of which are essential in keeping the heart healthy and working properly.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Nutritionist Resource are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Written by Ellen Lees
Head of Content.
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