EVERYONE, especially athletes, would greatly benefit from adding chia seeds into their nutrition lifestyle
Yes, they are small and tiny. They are also an excellent source of all things good. They are a good alternative if one needs to stay away from certain foods. And they are easy to get. Personally I order mine off amazon. The grocery stores also do buy one get one sometimes. Great way to save copious amounts of $$. Here’s why you want to eat them!
Why CHIA SEEDS will rock your world:
[tie_list type=”starlist”]
- Benefit: Source of Omega-3 fatty acids. A 2-tablespoon serving of chia seeds contains 5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. This reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Reduced inflammation also correlates with fewer swollen joints and less morning stiffness for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Chia is a rich 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.
- Benefit: Source of antioxidants. Anti-oxidants have been in the news lately due to their super healthy benefits. You know that blueberries and several exotic fruits (that aren’t always in season) have them, but did you know that chia is extremely high in anti-oxidants too? These helpful substances are what makes the Chia Seed stayfresh 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. Fight free radical damage by staying fresh and healthy with nature’s anti-oxidant powerhouse.
- Benefit: Source of fiber. One serving of chia seeds provides 7 grams of fiber, which improves digestion and also helps reduce cholesterol levels.
- Benefit: Source of protein. One serving contains 4 grams of protein, which the body uses to repair and build cells. Adequate protein intake is essential for athletes to maintain proper muscle function and increase muscle size. Great addition to animal protein.
- WHOLE FOOD NUTRITION – take a moment to consider that nature has provided us with sources of what we need. Perhaps rethink your primary method of getting nutrients. Perhaps the vitamins shouldn’t be our primary source of getting what we need.
- Benefit: Source of Calcium. There are 205 milligrams of calcium in a serving of chia seeds. Calcium is an important component in bones and teeth, and it is used during muscle contractions, blood clotting and hormone secretion. Adequate calcium intake during all stages of life reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis during the later years. Great alternative source of calcium.
- Benefit: Hydration. Chia seeds absorb 10 times their weight in water, and when they are soaked, they form a gel. Chia seed gel provides athletes with important nutrients along with water for hydration.
- Benefit: Balance Blood Sugar. This information is important to everyone, not just the diabetic. Keeping balanced levels of blood sugar is important for both health and energy. Blood sugar may spike after meals, especially if you eat high-starchy foods or sweets. This can lead to ‘slumps’ in your day where you feel tired and out of energy. By balancing your blood sugar, you not only lower your risk for type 2 diabetes, but you also ensure steady, constant energy throughout your day. But how does the Chia Seed help with this? 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.
[/tie_list]
Source: mayoclinic.org
