Chia seeds - useful properties and contraindications

Chia seeds - under this name we know the healthiest product - Spanish sage seeds. Seeds are not processed before use, not polished. Thus, they retain all their beneficial properties, are well absorbed by the body.

The homeland of Spanish sage is the country of South America. Ancient peoples used this plant for medicinal purposes, as a means of strengthening strength and endurance. These seeds were especially appreciated by warriors. They were well stored, did not take up much space during the campaign, provided the body with the necessary useful substances, vitamins and minerals. In the nineties of the XX century, nutritionists remembered the forgotten plant, engaged in its study and promotion on the world market.

Chia Seed Composition

The number of supporters of a healthy lifestyle is increasing every year. A growing number of people are striving to play sports, eat right, and carefully consider their health. They pay great attention to prevention, actively get acquainted with the achievements of traditional medicine. Over the past two to three decades, chia seeds have gained particular popularity among vegetarians in North America and then Europe. They are used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, weight loss. The grains are oval in shape and resemble flax seeds in size. Their surface is shiny with a characteristic pattern. Light taste reminds nutty.

A lot of the most contradictory information has appeared about the magical properties of chia seeds.

The healing qualities are determined by the chemical composition of the seeds, it is as follows:

• carbohydrates - 6%;
• fats - 31%;
• proteins - 16%;
• fiber - 38%.

Calorie content of the product is 486 kilocalories.

Due to its composition, these seeds have gained particular popularity among vegetarians, especially vegans.

Chia seeds contain:

• calcium, in 100 g of seeds there are 631 mg of metal important for health;
• magnesium, 100 g of seeds contains a third of the daily norm of an adult;
• iron, it is several times more than in spinach;
• potassium in the seeds is one and a half times more than in the well-known supplier of this element - banana;
• omega-3 fatty acids, the same amount of salmon fillet contains 2 times less;
• antioxidants, in terms of their number of chia are ahead of berries and fruits.

In addition, chia seeds contain protein, amino acids, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, copper.

Useful properties of Spanish sage seeds

This product has a positive effect on the body. Many clinical and laboratory tests have been conducted, during which a beneficial effect on many organs and systems has been identified.

Sage seeds have the following beneficial properties:

1. Improve the work of the cardiovascular system. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help cleanse your blood vessels of bad cholesterol. So they improve the blood circulation, regulate metabolism, stabilize blood pressure.
2. A large amount of fiber is not digested in the stomach, facilitates the removal of toxins from the intestines. All useful elements from food are absorbed more fully.
3. They have hypoallergenic properties.
4. Contain a large amount of antioxidants, slow down the aging of the body.
5. Contained in a large amount of calcium strengthens the musculoskeletal system, the condition of hair and nails, improves overall well-being.
6. Contribute to weight loss.Fiber absorbs water, increases in volume several times. This contributes to the rapid emergence of a feeling of fullness, dulling hunger. Chlorogenic acid contained in chia seeds actively fights fat. This releases a large amount of energy necessary for vigorous physical activity.
7. With diabetes, they stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent sudden surges in glucose levels. Fiber in grains reduces the risk of obesity, which positively affects the condition of a patient suffering from diabetes. Remember, they are not a remedy. Chia seeds can be used as an auxiliary product that beneficially affects the general condition of the body. Refuse to take medication and violate the diet is unacceptable.
8. They have a beneficial effect on the hormonal background.
9. They have a sedative, mild hypnotic effect.
10. Facilitate the condition of patients suffering from asthma attacks.
11. Strengthen the body's defenses.

Can everyone use Spanish sage?

Chia seeds have some contraindications, they will not always and not everyone benefit:

1. They contain a lot of fiber, are poorly digested in case of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. It is advisable for people suffering from constipation to soak the seeds before use.
2. Grains cause increased gas formation. Therefore, persons prone to flatulence, it is better to abandon their use.
3. Since the product is able to lower blood pressure, hypotonics should not be included in their daily diet.
4. In the presence of food poisoning associated with this diarrhea, seed intake should be temporarily stopped until complete recovery.
5. Eating chia seeds for people with kidney disease is extremely undesirable, they can cause an exacerbation of the disease. In this case, you need to consult a doctor.
6. The effect of chia seeds on the health of young children, pregnant and lactating women is not fully understood.
7. While taking a range of medications, taking chia seeds may weaken or increase their effects. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Chia seeds for women

The beautiful half of humanity appreciates these grains not only for their healing properties, but also for their ability to maintain youth and beauty. Nourishing masks, creams and lotions containing chia oil are used for the following purposes:

• to prevent wrinkles and reduce existing ones;
• to moisturize the skin;
• to reduce inflammation and irritation;
• to protect the skin from the effects of negative environmental factors.

Chia seeds contain a large amount of antioxidants that fight free radicals and slow down the aging of tissues.

The use of these tiny grains supports the normal functioning of the endocrine system, has a calming effect, and alleviates the condition during critical days. Microelements contained in grains, especially magnesium, soften mood swings and reduce fatigue. Manganese helps the production of sex hormones, copper and iron are involved in the restoration of blood formation. Fiber helps cleanse the body of toxins.

Chia Seeds for Men's Health

This product provides a large amount of energy. Seeds rich in nutrients contribute to the proper course of metabolic processes, high-quality recovery after physical exertion, and increase stress resistance of the nervous system. Seeds reduce the amount of bad cholesterol, improve the cardiovascular system, and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This product improves the functioning of the endocrine glands, prevents the occurrence of problems related to men's health - prostate adenomas, erectile dysfunction, and pathologies of the genitourinary system.

For men involved in active sports, chia seeds will help strengthen the musculoskeletal system, restore potassium levels, normalize blood pressure after exercise, and provide protein.

Chia Seed

On sale you will find chia seed cold pressed oil and the actual seeds. Grains can be eaten raw, you can cook porridge from them. Seeds are useful to add to the first dishes, salads. Ground seeds are useful in baking, mixing in flour. They have a pleasant nutty flavor, which will improve the taste of your buns or bread. Chia seeds are added to cocktails, sauces, seasonings. Salad oil can be seasoned with chia seeds and must be pre-filled with water or other liquid to make them swell. Chia seeds are very useful for fasting people and vegetarians. Any dish becomes tastier and healthier.

Try not to expose the seeds to prolonged heat treatment, in which case most of the beneficial properties will be lost.

Ways to use:

1. The easiest way is to use dry kernels. They contain a sufficient amount of useful substances necessary for proper digestion, speeding up metabolism, and getting rid of extra pounds. 2 tablespoons of dried grains can be eaten per day.
2. Using a coffee grinder, you can cook flour from chia seeds. Replace some of the flour or egg with this powder when preparing the dough. For example, a tablespoon of seed powder in a dough will replace 2 eggs. Seeds have a neutral, light taste, they can be used as a seasoning for almost any dish. Feeling of satiety will come much faster. The daily dose of the powder is the same as when using whole seeds.
3. You can pre-soak the seeds. For a tablespoon of seeds, 60–100 ml of water or juice is enough. After 10 minutes, you will get a thick gel that can be used alone or mixed with other products. Soaked seeds form a protective film in the stomach, which protects the walls of the stomach from irritation, and reduces the absorption of carbohydrates and sugar.
4. Seeds can be added to dishes when cooking porridge, vegetable or meat stew, jelly.

After eating food containing chia seeds, you need to drink at least a glass of water. Seeds need fluid to swell, otherwise they will linger in the stomach or intestines and will absorb water from the body. This can lead to constipation and bowel obstruction.

Using Slimming Seeds

A good effect is observed during a weekly fasting day. Pour a tablespoon of seeds with four glasses of kefir, stir well, send to the refrigerator. Eat a glass of this mixture every two and a half hours. It is important that the body on this day receive a sufficient amount of fluid, at least 2 liters.

Chia seeds do not cause allergies, they can be used by almost everyone. The exception is persons with individual intolerance to the components of this plant.

Video: dietary properties of chia seeds