drjayweber:

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

– The interesting thing about chia seeds is that it is far from being a new trendy food – in fact, it has been around for centuries. Even the Aztecs and Mayans knew about its health benefits and were regularly consumed. So, let’s take a look at why it’s been such a “fad” for so many societies throughout the centuries.

Chia seeds are high in soluble and insoluble fiber. As we know, fiber has been seen over and over in studies to be beneficial for colon health, weight loss, sugar control, heart disease, and cancers, just to name a few health benefits. Chia seeds also become a gelatinous form after sitting in water for a while so as it becomes that way in our stomach, it keeps us fuller longer. This is similar to the concept of other foods that are higher in fiber; high fiber foods slow digestion and allow us to feel fuller longer and prevent a rapid spike and dip of insulin that makes us feel like we have low blood sugar or feel really hungry.

Another health benefit of chia seeds is that it is rich in nutrients and minerals that help our body function at its optimum. It contains components such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and niacin, just to name a few examples of ingredients found in this amazing seed that we can incorporate as a part of our daily nutritional needs. Many of these nutrients and minerals are essential for our hormonal functioning, muscle recovery, and even our energy level and blood pressure and cholesterol processing. So, by simply incorporating a spoonful of this into your daily diet, you are in essence taking a spoonful of a variation of Mother Nature’s multivitamin.

Finally, chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. As we have heard in the media and from our doctors, omega-3 fatty acids are important in our diet for numerous reasons that include, but are not limited to, healthy skin, memory preservation, heart health, weight maintenance/weight loss, and healthy hair. As you may already know, omega-3 fatty acids should be a part of our daily diet for these and many other health benefit reasons. And because we are all aware of this, but there is growing concern of too much fish consumption due to heavy metal exposure, these plant-based options can be a safer alternative.  Read More

Dr. Jay’s Note:  Chia seeds have become a favorite in the Weber household. They have an amazing shelf life so don’t be afraid to buy in bulk as they are easy to store. Chia is a fantastic addition to smoothies. Wonder Woman (the Mrs.) likes to add them to her cold green tea in order to create a tapioca or boba effect.