Chia Seed --An Amazing Natural Source Of Health Benefits

Most people (except for you, which makes you a rarehealth and the behavior of children with learning
person ) haven’t heard of chia seeds, but I am sureproblems, helps prevent Parkinson, and the list of
they will become well known in the next few yearsbenefits could go on. Unfortunately the human body
because of their wonderful nutritional qualities andcannot synthesize omega-3 de novo, that is why it is
powerful effects on health improvement. The chiavery important for us to consume food that contains
seed is an excellent source of fiber, packed withomega-3 or take supplements.
antioxidants, full of protein, loaded with vitamins andChi seeds are also very rich in fiber content (more
minerals, and the richest known plant source ofthan 35%), which gives them the remarkable ability to
omega-3.absorb ten times their weight in water, making them an
These seeds are not a modern invention of the latestexcellent source of hydratation. If you leave chia
date, even if we may say they have beenseeds in a glass of water and return after about half
re-discovered in the past few years. Their use as aan hour you will have the surprise to find no seeds in
superfood and medicine can be traced back as far asthe water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming
the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. Warriors used it asreaction is due to the soluble fiber in the chia. Probably
a high energy endurance food, but also as a medicine.the same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the
Indians would pack the wounds with chia seeds tostomach when these gummy fibers get there. The gel
avoid infections and promote healing. It is said that onethat is formed in the stomach creates a physical
tablespoon of these seeds could sustain a person forbarrier between carbohydrates and the digestive
24 hours. Indians running from the Colorado River toenzymes that break them down, slowing the
the California coast to trade turquoise for seashellsconversion of carbohydrates into sugar. This is what
would only take the Chia seed for their nourishment.offers the ability for creating endurance, as well as
Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salviaobvious benefits for diabetics. This retention of
hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows inmoisture produced by chia seeds also regulates more
southern Mexico. This seed is the richest naturalefficiently the body’s absorption of nutrients and
source of pure omega-3, the only unprocessed wholebody fluids.
food source of omega-3. Omega-3 is nutritionallyChia seeds are also rich in calcium, potassium,
essential for the human body and has multiple healthmagnesium, iron, zinc, many minerals and protein. Chia
benefits –it stimulates blood circulation helping peopleis digested and absorbed very easily, which makes it
with circulatory problems, such as varicose veins, itvery effective when rapid development of tissue
reduces the risk of heart attack, it is beneficial fortakes place. That is why it is recommended during
people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and cardiacgrowth periods for children and teenagers, but also
arrhythmias, it is helpful in cases of depression andduring pregnancy and lactation, as well as for athletes
anxiety, it also has anti-cancer effects, preventsand weight lifters.
cardiovascular disease, improves poor developmental