11 Reasons to Eat More Chia Seeds

Few foods are as nutritionally perfect as chia seeds. These tiny seeds pack a serious punch of almost all of the major nutrients your body needs. Perhaps that’s why there is so much fuss about them. While there are many reasons to eat more chia seeds on a regular basis, here are some of my favorite ones.

1. TRANSFORM HEART HEALTH

In human studies, researchers found that incorporating chia seeds into a person’s regular diet could improve their cardiovascular health by regulating heart rhythms and blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, preventing blood clots and decreasing inflammation.

2. PROVIDE AN ENERGY BOOST

Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses that give our energy a boost when we need it. Actually, “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for strength, a likely reflection of the energy and stamina these tiny seeds build. 

3. AIDS WEIGHT LOSS

Research shows that eating chia seeds as part of your regular diet can help with weight loss and feeling full after meals.

4. RICH IN OMEGA 3S

Omega 3 fatty acids make up 60 percent of the oil found in chia seeds.

5. REDUCE DISEASE-CAUSING INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases, making it essential to reduce. Fortunately, chia seeds are highly anti-inflammatory, largely to their high Omega 3 content.

6. COMPLETE PROTEIN

Chia seeds contain all 9 essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source.

7. BUILD BONE HEALTH

Chia seeds are an excellent source of bone-building calcium.

8. RELAX NERVES

Because these tiny seeds are high in magnesium, eating them on a regular basis can help relax the nervous system and aid our bodies’ ability to cope with stress.

9. KEEP BOWELS REGULAR

Chia seeds are particularly good at promoting bowel regularity thanks to their high fiber content and their ability to absorb water. They can absorb 10 times their weight in water, which helps to ensure healthy bowel transit time. Just one ounce of chia seeds contains 11 grams of fiber.

10. BOOSTS BENEFICIAL MICROBES

The fiber in chia acts as food (prebiotics) for beneficial microbes in your gut, helping them to proliferate and improve your microbiome.

11. THEY ARE VERSATILE

You can sprinkle them on cereal or yogurt, add to shakes or smoothies, add to bread or muffins, use as a vegan egg replacer, or mix with juice to make a delicious pudding.

HOW TO USE CHIA SEEDS

Chia seeds don’t need to be ground like flaxseeds for your body to obtain the nutrients found in them. A little goes a long way. Just one or two tablespoons daily is enough to give your health a serious boost. You can also place one-quarter cup of chia seeds in a jar with one cup of water, allow to sit for at least 10 minutes, then use as desired. Store in the fridge for up to one week. You can also grow your own chia microgreens by placing the seeds in or on a terracotta pot, spraying with water day and night until microgreens appear, which usually happens within a week.