Chia
seeds are one of the most abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids. A plant in
the Salvia genus, chia derives its name from the Latin word salvare, which
means to save. This naming refers to curative properties.
Powerful
Dose of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A
28-g serving of chia seeds contains 4915 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 1620 mg
of omega-6 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant based omega-3
fatty acid that makes up 66% of the oil in chai seed. This proportion is higher
than that in flaxseed oil (56%). Four teaspoons of chia seed provide 4.8g of
ALA, which can help prevent and treat arthritis when consumed daily.
Cardiovascular
Health Enhancer
Chia seed is cholesterol free. Experimental studies showed that chia seed diets can
dramatically decrease triglyceride levels and increase HDL (“good”
cholesterol). Regular chia seed consumption can also reduce blood pressure and
inflammation, lowering cardiovascular disease risk.
Scientists
studied type 2 diabetes patients who consumed around 37 g of chia seed or wheat
bran daily for 12 weeks. They found that those who consumed chia seed had
decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients experienced thinner blood
that was less prone to clotting, thereby reducing their risks of heart attack
and stroke. They also experienced reduced internal inflammation and systolic
blood pressure (maximum blood pressure)
Source
of Antioxidants
Compared
with other sources of omega-3s – namely fish, algae and flaxseed, which have no
or low levels of antioxidants – chia seed is abundant in antioxidants that help
fight free radicals and nourish the immune system.
Energy
Booster
Chia
seeds are 16%-18% protein – higher than eggs – and this protein is a complete
protein, rich in amino acids. Research indicates that protein in chia seeds is
of higher quality than that of common cereals, and occurs in higher levels than
in nutritional grains such as wheat (14%) and oats (15.3%). One tablespoon of
chia seed, along with some water, could sustain a person for 24 hours.
Chai
seeds contain strontium, which acts as a catalyst for protein absorption and
energy production. They can also absorb more than 12 times their weight in
water, helping the body to conserve water. In addition, chai seeds can help to
calm nerves and strengthen memory.
Eye
health Promoter
Chia seeds are greatly beneficial for eye health. They are an excellent source of
ALA. ALA has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that may help prevent eye
conditions linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. These include dry eye
syndrome (DES), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and diabetic
retinopathy. Furthermore, a U.S. study showed that topical application of ALA
significantly relieved DES in animal models.
