Chia seeds are considered to be a superfood that is becoming an increasingly-popular source of nutrition for healthy eaters around the world. Native to Latin America, eating chia seeds can be traced all the way back to the Mayan empire, and chia actually translates into strength in the Mayan language. It is rumored that warriors and travelers used to boast about how a handful of seeds could provide enough energy to sustain them for an entire day.
Whether or not you feel like testing those claims, chia seeds can make a fantastic addition to your stockpile because of their nutrient content and ease of digestion. Let’s take a closer look at some of the other benefits of chia seeds how you can put them to work for you.
Main Nutritional Elements
Chia seeds are very high in antioxidants, and one serving can equal 10,000 units of vitamin E. They are also loaded with vitamins and minerals, and one serving can provide us with more than our daily requirements of calcium, potassium and magnesium. Chia seeds also contain about 20 percent of protein and amino acids by volume, and one serving contains nearly 40 percent of our daily fiber requirements. Few foods pack so much nutrition into small spaces, and the seeds can have a very long shelf life if stored properly.
Supports the Digestive System
Chia seeds are loaded with fiber, and this not only helps us to feel fuller after eating, but fiber also contributes to bowel regularity. Additionally, compounds found in chia interact with our digestive juices to create a special gel-like substance that helps to support the growth of healthy bacteria in our gut. At the same time, it also helps to control the growth of harmful bacteria as well. Consequently, it can make digestion more-efficient and promote better nutrient absorption into the bloodstream.
Heart Health
Chia seeds contain a higher concentration of omega-3 fatty acids per serving than salmon. Omega-3 acids are essential for lowering and regulating blood pressure and keeping bad cholesterol in check. Additionally, chia is a potent anti-inflammatory which helps to reduce stress on blood vessels and arteries.
Diabetic Control
While you may not want to throw out your insulin or blood sugar medication, chia shows a lot of promise in helping the body to regulate blood sugar. Extensive tests in animals reveal that chia protects against fluctuations in blood sugar, even when they were fed diets that were high in sugar. Additionally, taking chia regularly for a couple of months actually caused diabetic animals to make a full recovery. Whether or not it has the same impact on humans has yet to be proven, the signs are promising, and there’s no harm in experimenting either.
Energy Booster
Enjoy chia for their original purpose: To promote sustained energy. Because they are so easy on the digestive system and help to promote nutrient abosorbtion, chia helps the body avoid shutting down like it does after eating a big, unhealthy meal. Some compounds also help to burn away visceral belly fat and convert it into energy as well.
Bone Health
One ounce of chia contains about 20 percent of recommended calcium intake, and we all know how calcium is essential for maintaining bone mass and strength. Chia also contains boron, and boron helps to process calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and manganese, all of which are essential for bone health. While chia won’t replace the need to get calcium from other sources, it definitely gives you another resource to tap into.
Pregnancy Support
The nutrients in chia, and how compounds interact with our bodies, can provide a powerful nutritional boost for expectant mothers, particularly in their last trimester. Pregnancy depletes the body of essential nutrients, and chia is an excellent source for the replenishment of essentials such as iron, niacin, zinc, calcium, copper and phosphorous.
These are just a few examples of the dozens of benefits linked to chia seeds. Not only are they nutritious, but they are also easy to obtain, inexpensive and can be prepared for consumption in a number of ways. Learn more about chia seeds and how they can make a fantastic addition to your long-term emergency food supply. This is definitely one seed that is worth stocking up on before the SHTF.
