Health benefits of chia seeds

Chia seeds: everything you need to know about their health benefits and value

Chia seeds are small seeds extracted from the chia plant (Salvia hispanica). Chia seeds are a rich source of nutrients and have many health benefits. Here is what you need to know about its benefits and nutritional value with Atara Store :

1. A rich source of fibre: Chia seeds contain a high percentage of dietary fibre, and are considered an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fibre. Fiber contributes to supporting digestive health, promoting bowel movement and preventing constipation.
2. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids : Chia seeds are an important source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in promoting heart and brain health and reducing inflammation in the body.
3. High nutritional value: Chia seeds contain proteins and essential amino acids that the body needs to build tissues and maintain healthy body functions. It also contains many vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and iron.
4. Supporting the health of the immune system : Chia seeds are beneficial grains that contain antioxidants that contribute to combating damage caused by free radicals in the body and strengthening the immune system.
5. Contribution to weight loss: Chia seeds are characterized by their ability to absorb water and swell

What are the benefits of chia seeds with water?

Eating chia seeds with water provides many health benefits, including:

1. Improve digestion: When chia seeds interact with water, they form into a textured gel that fills with water. This gel helps regulate digestion and improve bowel movement. The gel also cleanses the digestive tract and reduces constipation.
2. Satiety and weight management: Chia seeds absorb water and swell within the digestive tract, leading to increased volume and filling in the stomach. This contributes to prolonged satiety and reduces the desire to eat in large quantities. Hence, chia seeds with water can help in weight management and appetite control.
3. Promote heart health: Chia seeds contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to improving cardiovascular health and reducing harmful cholesterol levels in the blood.
4. Help regulate blood sugar levels: Chia seeds are an important herb that contains dietary fiber that is digested slowly, which helps reduce the effect of food on high blood sugar levels. This means they can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
5. Provides energy : Chia seeds contain proteins, amino acids and healthy carbohydrates, and provide an excellent source of long-lasting energy.

Frequently asked questions about chia seeds

Is it permissible to drink chia seeds on an empty stomach?

Yes, chia seeds can be drunk on an empty stomach safely. Chia seeds have gelatinous properties when wet and react with liquids, meaning they can be consumed wet. If you prefer to drink chia seeds on an empty stomach, there is no problem with that.

However, you should add the right amount of water or other liquids such as coffee and tea when eating chia seeds, as the seeds need to absorb liquids to form gel. The appropriate volume of water per tablespoon of chia seeds can be about 1/4 cup of water.

Remember that before including chia seeds in your diet, it may be best to consult a doctor or nutritionist, especially if you have a certain health condition or are taking medications that may interfere with chia seed consumption.

What happens to the body when you eat chia seeds?

• When eating chia seeds, several effects occur on the body, including the following:
• Increased satiety: Chia seeds have the ability to absorb water and swell in the digestive system. This helps increase satiety and control appetite, which can help in eating smaller amounts of food and thus contributing to the weight loss process.
• Promoting digestive health: Thanks to their dietary fiber content, chia seeds contribute to improving the digestive process and reducing constipation.
• Improving heart health: Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health and contribute to lowering harmful cholesterol levels.
• Support skin health: Omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds can contribute to skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and aid in skin care .

The recommended daily dose of chia seeds is between 15-30 grams (about 1-2 tablespoons) per day. They can be eaten wet or ground and added to food or drinks.

As for the right time to drink chia seeds, they can be eaten at any time of the day according to your personal preference. However, eating it a little before meals can be beneficial for feeling full.

Regarding the benefits of chia seeds with water, when chia seeds are placed in water, they form into a relative gel thanks to their ability to absorb water. This gel can help soothe the digestive system and improve bowel movement. It is also believed that chia seeds combined with water can contribute to reducing blood cholesterol levels and promoting satiety.

As for drinking chia seeds on an empty stomach, there is no problem with that. However, before starting any new diet or including chia seeds in your diet, it is best to consult a doctor or nutritionist to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health condition and does not interfere with any existing medications or health conditions you have.