Health Benefits of Chia Seed

Health Benefits of Chia Seed - Healthbiztips

Chia seed belongs to the mint family. It's color can vary from white, brown, to grey. Packed in these small seeds are amazing health benefits and nutritional value.

Health Benefits of Chia Seed - Healthbiztips
photo credit: Yakynina Anastasia @notsahara @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

According to the USDA, 1 oz or 2 tbsp chia seed is packed with:

• 138 kcal calories
• 4.69 g protein
• 8.71 g fats
• 11.94 g carbohydrate
• 9.8 g fiber
• 179 mg calcium
• 2.19 mg iron
• 95 mg magnesium
• 244 mg phosphorus
• 115 mg potassium
• 5 mg sodium
• 1.30 mg zinc
• 6.7 g polyunsaturated fatty acids

Chia seed has a long history dating back to the ancient Mexican civilization of Maya and Aztec. This superfood has traditionally been used by warriors during ancient times to maintain their stamina since it contains a lot of health benefits.

In fact, chia is derived from the Mayan word for strength.

Let's look into what makes this superfood worth your attention.
Health benefits of chia seed:


1. Weight loss

Chia seed is a popular vegan weight loss superfood, however, did you know that this seed is considered high in calories. 2 tbsp chia seed fuels you with 138 kcal.

It's weight loss property lies in it's fiber content. The same 2 tbsp chia seed gives you a whooping 9.8 gram fiber which is about a third or your daily fiber requirement. That's an enormous amount of fiber packed in just 1 oz serving.


2. Fiber

Chia seed has a stunning fiber content, which is important for your gut health by reducing the risk of gastrointestinal problems like colon cancer and constipation.


3. Makes you feel full

Chia seed absorbs water which enables it expand in size by forming a thick gel-like coating. This can take up a considerable amount of space in your stomach which can make you feel full for a longer period of time.

This is the same reason why consuming too much dry whole chia seed without adequate fluid intake is not good.

4. Protein

Chia seed is packed with 4.69 g protein per 2 tbsp. A high protein diet aids weight loss by reducing appetite and preventing food cravings.

5. Blood thinner

Chia seed is a natural blood thinner. It can prevent dangerous blood clots from forming in the body which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, it is not ideal to be taken by people who are concurrently taking blood thinning medication, have bleeding disorder, or will surgery because it can cause excessive bleeding.

6. Omega-3 fatty acid

Chia seed is high in omega-3 fatty acid which has a lot of health benefits to your cardiovascular system.

7. Calcium

Chia seed is a rich plant-based source of calcium. Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the human body, is responsible for keeping your teeth and bones healthy.

In every ounce of chia seed, you get 179 mg calcium which is 18% of your daily calcium needs.


8. Phosphorus

2 tbsp of chia seed provides you with 27% of your daily phosphorus needs. Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in a human body that's responsible for keeping bones and teeth strong and healthy.

9. Magnesium

Chia seed is a rich source of magnesium, with 2 tablespoon providing about 24% of your daily magnesium needs.

Adequate intake of magnesium from the diet is vital to lower risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

10. Antioxidant

Chia seed is a rich source of antioxidant that helps the body repair itself and prevent early sign of premature aging. Antioxidants also help the body to maintain healthy skin and hair.

11. Gluten free

Chia seed is gluten free, which means that people afflicted with  conditions which makes them intolerant to gluten like celiac disese can enjoy it's goodness.