Chia Health Benefits: Energy Boosting Superfood

A power boost of energy that lasts.

What is it?
The chia seed is a nutrient dense seed originally grown by the Aztecs and Mayans in Central America. A beverage that mixes chia seeds and lemon has been called the 10,000-year-old Red Bull.

Chia packs a heavy punch of energy-boosting power. The Mayans prized them for their ability to provide sustainable energy and the word, “chia” itself is the ancient word for strength.

Why is it a superfood?
Chia seeds deliver a massive amount of nutrients with very few calories. A 1 ounce serving contains 11 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein.

What are the other health benefits?
One serving of the superfood can provide the recommended daily fiber intake, according to the American Dietetic Association. According to the National Institute of Health, seeds like flax and chia can be a natural blood sugar balancer due to its high fiber content and healthy fats.

One of the biggest health benefits to chia is in their high amount of antioxidants. They also contain a good balance of essential amino acids, making it easier for bodies to make use of the protein in them. They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Chia seeds contain more Omega-3s per gram than salmon. They may also improve certain blood markers, which should lower the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The superfood seeds are high in several nutrients that are important for bone health. The most successful application of chia seeds to date was in a study on type 2 diabetic patients, the study showed that blood pressure went down by 3-6 mm/Hg and an inflammatory marker called hs-CRP went down by 40%.

Chia seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds’ lipid profile is composed of 60 percent omega-3s, making them one of the richest plant-based sources of these fatty acids. The omega-3s in chia seeds can help reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive performance and reduce high cholesterol.