Chia seeds have amazing benefits in terms of health and so many people have been using chia seeds in just about anything- be it salads, smoothies, pudding or any other delicacy. Chia seeds however have more to it than just health benefits. It can actually endow you with glowing skin too. It contains Omega 3 oil and it has the potential to endow the skin with many benefits.
Chia seeds are a quick and easy-to-use source of protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants , all rolled into one neat package.
Chia seeds are said to last up to two years with no refrigeration, courtesy of the high levels of antioxidants they contain.
So let's have a brief look at the health and beauty benefits of Magical Chia Seeds also called "sabza" in India and enjoyed with yummy falooda!
Health Benefits
1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Chia seeds are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, one of the healthiest fatty acids, which are considered very important for brain health. The Omega3s in Chia seeds help reduce inflammation, and help reduce high cholesterol with no side effects! However Chia seeds are very high in the Omega-3 fatty acid ALA, but our body needs Omega 3 fatty acids DHA along with ALA so never underestimate the fatty acids found in fatty fishes or fish oils as well!
2. More Fiber
Just about 30 grams of Chia Seeds contains 11 grams of Fiber! That is one-third of the daily recommended intake of fiber per day. Fiber is associated with reducing bad cholesterol, and for proper bowel functioning. By adding them to your daily diet you are making sure to get enough amount of fiber for the daily recommended intake.
3. Antioxidant
Chia seeds have antioxidant properties which protect our body from toxic elements, radicals, aging and fights against cancer. The high antioxidants in them increases the shelf life of the Chia seeds.
A study in type 2 diabetics showed that chia seeds can significantly lower blood pressure and a marker for inflammation.
4. Minerals
About 30 grams of Chia seeds contain 18 percent of Calcium, 35 percent of phosphorus, 24 percent of magnesium and 50 percent of manganese! These nutrients help you maintain your heart and brain health and gives us energy.
Chia seeds are high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and protein. All of these nutrients are essential for bone health as well.
5. Protein
Chia seeds contain a decent amount of
protein.
By weight, they are about 14% protein, which is very high compared to most plants. Chia seeds really are an excellent protein source, especially for people who eat little or no animal products.
Beauty Benefits
1. Glowing Healthy Skin
Well who doesn't want a celeb like glowing and problem free skin? With the tiny magical seeds the task has become easy to get that healthy glowing skin. Since Chia seeds are high in Omega 3s and other nutrients which help maintain a clear and healthy skin. It flushes out the toxins from the body and makes skin tissues healthy hence a clear glowing skin!
2. Promotes Hair Growth
Protein, sulphur and amino acids are extremely beneficial for healthy long hair. Eat chia seeds everyday to strengthen your hair follicles and promote long luscious hair!
3. Fights Acne
Girls with acne prone skin must give these seeds a try!
Chia seeds are amazing for healing acne as they are rich in powerful anti acne nutrients like zinc(fights acne bacteria), omega 3 fatty acids(hydrates dry acneic skin/heals inflamed acne), fiber (flushes out acne causing toxins)and protein(repairs cells & heals acne faster).
4. Heals Damaged and Inflammed Skin
Chia seeds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that soothes skin inflammatory conditions like acne inflammation, eczema, rosacea and more.
4. Heals Damaged and Inflammed Skin
Chia seeds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that soothes skin inflammatory conditions like acne inflammation, eczema, rosacea and more.
Omega 3 fatty acids also retain moisture in skin cells by improving the health of the skin.
5. Flushes Out Toxins
Rich in a load of heart healthy fiber, chia seeds are an excellent detox food. Eating chia seeds regularly regulates bowel movement, helping clean the junk that is stuck in the colon. Eliminating toxins through the colon is very healthy for our skin and hair. It prevents toxins from being stuck in the intestines, for example during constipation. These toxins are gradually reabsorbed into the blood stream and end up as breakouts on your skin as a way of getting out of the body! Add chia seeds to your smoothies every breakfast.
Few Easy Recipes with Chia Seeds that are healthy yet yummy!
A common recommended dosage is 40 grams a day, which is about 3 tblspns!
5. Flushes Out Toxins
Rich in a load of heart healthy fiber, chia seeds are an excellent detox food. Eating chia seeds regularly regulates bowel movement, helping clean the junk that is stuck in the colon. Eliminating toxins through the colon is very healthy for our skin and hair. It prevents toxins from being stuck in the intestines, for example during constipation. These toxins are gradually reabsorbed into the blood stream and end up as breakouts on your skin as a way of getting out of the body! Add chia seeds to your smoothies every breakfast.
Few Easy Recipes with Chia Seeds that are healthy yet yummy!
- Soak about 2 tblspn of chia seeds in a glass of milk for overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, add honey for sweetness and have your yummy and healthy morning drink.
- Soak 2 tblspn of chia seeds in a half bowl of milk, in the morning cook oats using the same milk adding little sugar or honey or jaggery! Add fresh fruits of your choice such as grapes, strawberries, bananas, pomegranate, etc.
- Soak chia seeds in coconut milk for overnight and have it as it is in the morning.
- Soak chia seeds in one glass of milk, in the morning, add chopped dry fruits and honey to it. Make a smoothie of this in a blender and have your nutritious smoothie.
- Or simply soak chia seeds in one bottle of water, and have this water throughout the day to help keep you hydrated and refreshed!
A common recommended dosage is 40 grams a day, which is about 3 tblspns!
