The Surprising Benefits Of Chia Seeds

Posted on: 23 March 2016

When most people think about chia seeds, they think about tossing a handful into a smoothie or on top of a salad to partake in the health benefits they provide. While these little black seeds are known to be one of the best antioxidant foods available, they have some additional benefits people are not as aware about. Here are some reasons why stocking up on chia seeds can be to your advantage in some surprising ways.

Reduces Anxiety And Stress

Chia seeds are loaded with magnesium which is known to battle the stress hormone, cortisol. When this hormone is at a lower level in the body, stress is not as intense. Chia seeds are also full of tryptophan, which many associate as the amino acid responsible for making you feel tired after eating turkey. Tryptophan is known to help produce serotonin in the body, helping to relieve anxiety as a result.

Improves The Appearance Of Skin

Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in chia seeds. This healthy fat helps to strengthen your skin, giving it a glowing appearance. Not only is it helpful for skin, but it also keeps nails and hair from becoming brittle and dull. Chia seeds are also packed with calcium which is known to help increase cell moisturizing in the skin. If you wish to try reducing redness in the skin, press the seeds to extract the oil from within and apply directly to troubled spots.

Aids With Weight Loss

Since chia seeds are jam-packed with fiber and protein, they tend to make you feel fuller for a longer amount of time. An average-sized serving of chia seeds is about three tablespoons. This contains fourteen grams of fiber and seven grams of protein, giving you ample nutrition in a relatively small package. When you add chia seeds to a liquid, or as they mix with liquids and acids in your stomach, they expand in size, helping to make you feel as if you ate a larger portion. Many people use this food to aid in weight loss. Chia seeds also have high in potassium levels, helping to relieve bloating.

Decreases Pain Of Arthritis

Chia seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce the amount of pain one would feel if they suffer from arthritis. These seeds are filled with zinc and copper which help to produce enzymes in the body that help combat free radicals. This in turn will reduce inflammation which is responsible for creating pain in the joints.

You can buy chia seeds online or in health food stores. 

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