Now me, when I think of Chia-Seeds I think of the ever cool 1980's novelty plant coined "The Pottery That Grows"; that allowed you to grow "hair" in a moss looking plant on prepackaged clay statues.
However, now from what I gather people are sprinkling these seeds on food to trick their stomach into thinking it is full. Is this another form of dieter's delusion? Or is it really packed with power enough to help you shed unwanted inches, pounds and keep you fuller longer? Below I seek to answer my own questions.
Top 10 (Claimed) Benefits of Chia Seeds:
1. Lose Weight Without Starving: The tiny, healthy seeds can be made to taste like whatever you want,
and their unique gelling action keeps you feeling full for hours. When the Chia Seed is exposed to water, it forms a coating of gel, increasing
its size and weight. Since the gel made of water, it has no calories. It’s also
difficult to remove from the seed, meaning that it helps your body think it is
full, without adding calories.
2. Balance Blood Sugar: Both the gelling action of the seed, and it’s unique
combination of soluble and insoluble fiber combine to slow down your body’s
conversion of starches into sugars. If you eat chia with a meal, it will help
you turn your food into constant, steady energy rather than a series of ups and
downs that wear you out.
3. Help Prevent Diverticulitis / Diverticulosis: Each seed is coated with soluble fibers which aid its
gelling action. The exterior of the seed is protected by insoluble fiber. The
insoluble fiber is unable to be digested (it does not contribute any calories,
or break down) so instead, it helps keep food moving smoothly through the
digestive process. Soluble fiber, and the gel coating of the seed keeps the
colon hydrated and ensures the easy movement of food.
4. Add Omega-3 Oils to Your Diet: Chia is the richest plant-source of this healthy oil. By
weight, chia contains more omega 3 than salmon, and it still tastes like
whatever you want! Omega 3 oil is important in heart and cholesterol health.
It’s also recently been targeted as a weight-loss helper. USA Weekend magazine
also reports on a study where overweight dieters who included omega 3s in their
eating plan lost 2 more pounds monthly than the control group, who did not.
5. More Energy All Day Long: Chia though, it’s protein is complete to raise your energy
levels. The combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar
balancing gel all work together to make sure you have steady, never jittery
energy.
6. Age Defying Anti-Oxidants: Anti-oxidants have been in the news lately due to their
super healthy benefits. Did you know
that chia is extremely high in anti-oxidants too? These helpful substances are
what makes the Chia Seed stay fresh for so long. At room temperature, they’ll
stay fresh and ready to eat for over two whole years! And that’s all without a
single chemical or preservative. This amazing ability is not found in other
seeds like flax or sesame, because those seeds don’t have the same rich
anti-oxidant content. Anti-oxidants help
prevent free-radical damage in your body. Free radicals lead to problematic
conditions such as premature aging of the skin and inflammation of various
tissues.
7. Cut Food Cravings: Being deficient in minerals or vitamins can create a craving
for food. For example, if you’re low on calcium, you may feel compelled to eat
lots of cheese and ice cream. This happens because your body knows that cheese
is a source of calcium, and it hasn’t been getting enough. But what if dairy
and whole milk are a “Diet don’t”? You can always add calcium to your food by
sprinkling on the chia. By weight, chia has more calcium than whole milk. It
also has magnesium and boron, essential trace minerals used in the absorption
of calcium and other vitamins. By balancing your vitamins and minerals with chia,
you can curb cravings that might tempt you.
8. Bake with Less Fat: Chia gel can substitute for half the butter in most recipes!
The food will bake the same and taste the same (or better) from the addition of
the chia gel. All you need to do is divide the amount of butter or oil in half,
and then use the same amount of chia gel to fill in. The anti-oxidants in chia
can even help keep the food tasting fresh longer. Everything from cookies to
cakes to muffins, pancakes and waffles can be made with chia gel as your butter
replacement.
9. More Flavorful Punch to Foods: When the chia seeds hydrate, they magnify the taste of
whatever they were added to. Put them in pudding? Chocolaty! Swirl them into a
smoothie? Fruity! The same thing goes with dressings, dips, salsas, sauces and
more. These two factors combine to let chia seeds take on the taste of whatever
you add them to. They distribute and never dilute, the flavors you love.
10. Save Money on Your Diet Plan: You already know diet pills are expensive, and
‘box meal plans’ can run up to $500.00 a month. If you’re buying ‘calorie
counting packs’ or other individual portions in the store, you can also end up
paying more because more preparation and materials go into these foods. More
than enough chia for 1 month costs less than a dollar a day. You can use as
much or as little as you want to achieve your own desired results. There are no
preparations required for these simple seeds, not even pesticides need to be
used to grow them. They’re always safe and 100% chemical free. A measuring
spoon is all you’ll need when you’re ready to take advantage of chia for
yourself. It doesn’t get any easier or more inexpensive.
My Conclusion: Hmmm may be time to go purchase some Organic Chia Seeds!
Xoxo,
BG!
