10 Surprising Benefits of Chia Seeds: You'll Be Amazed

10 Proven Benefits of Chia Seeds for Your Health

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Written by Charu Shrivastava, last updated on 11 August 2023| min read

10 Proven Benefits of Chia Seeds for Your Health

Quick Summary

Chia seeds are tiny white and black seeds that people have used for centuries for the many health benefits they offer.
They are a must-have component of a balanced diet and are high in crucial nutrients and flexible in culinary use.
Here are 10 established chia seed benefits and why you should consider including them in your daily routine.

Table of Contents

What are Chia Seeds?
What are the Ten Healthy Benefits of Chia Seeds?
Tips to Remember Before Eating Chia Seeds
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
References

What are Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds are small, oval-shaped seeds that grow on the Salvia hispanica plant, which belongs to the mint family. Consumption of these seeds dates back to ancient civilisations such as the Aztecs and Mayans in Central and South America, where they were a staple meal.

Chia seeds' benefits are well-known for their high nutritional content and health advantages. They are high in nutrients such as fibre, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. These tiny seeds are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based type of omega-3.

Calories	486
Water	6%
Protein	16.5 gms
Carbohydrates	42.1 gms
Fat	30.7 gms
Fibre	34.4 gms
Sugar	0

Chia seeds have an unusual property when exposed to water. These seeds can absorb a lot of water and help a person stay hydrated. You can eat chia seeds soaked in water or drink chia seed water to aid digestion and lower hunger. Because of their gel-like consistency, chia seeds are a sought-after addition to various foods and beverages, where they can add thickness and texture.

What are the Ten Healthy Benefits of Chia Seeds?

Chia seeds' health benefits are numerous. According to specialists, chia seeds are suitable for a weight loss diet. Not only that, they are also known to benefit heart health, support better digestion, and help in the fight against overeating. Furthermore, chia seeds' benefits have been linked to the prevention of cancer and diabetes.

Continue reading to learn about the numerous chia seed health benefits and why you should immediately incorporate them into your daily diet.

Support Good Digestion

Chia seeds, which contain nearly 10 grams of fibre in just one ounce, can provide up to 44 per cent of your daily fibre needs. Since chia seeds are high in fibre, they help to improve overall digestion. Whether it's constipation prevention or a healthy bowel movement, the fibre content in chia seeds can help with just about anything.

It also acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial microorganisms in the gut. Not only that, it also absorbs the appropriate amount of water, allowing you to feel full for an extended period. It aids in the elimination of any overeating behaviours.

Improves Skin Health

Chia seeds' benefits for the skin are incredibly high. It contains antioxidants, which efficiently fight free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells). This prevents skin damage and maintains healthy, youthful, and elastic skin quality. Furthermore, it stimulates faster tissue healing and protects against future skin injury.

When it comes to antioxidant capacity, chia seeds rank among the top foods. You should consider including it in your diet to avoid early ageing indications and protect yourself from environmental damage.

Improves Cardiovascular Wellness

Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, fibre, and heart-healthy lipids. This is what makes them so beneficial to our cardiovascular health. It not only promotes the prevention of cardiovascular illnesses but also aids in their management. It is known to prevent inflammation while also controlling cholesterol and blood pressure.

Chia seeds have a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which actively lower blood pressure, manage cholesterol levels, and prevent inflammation. Among the many benefits of chia seeds, reducing the risk of coronary heart disease is a potent one.

Help in the Control of Blood Sugar Levels

Chia seeds have been found to help control appropriate blood sugar levels due to their high quantities of alpha-linolenic acid and fibre. In fact, it aids in the fight against type 2 diabetes. Thus Chia seed benefits include the control of blood sugar levels in the body.

Increases Energy Levels and Improves Exercise Performance

Chia seeds are well-known as an athlete's meal. They offer all of the necessary energy by providing needed carbs and boosting glycogen storage in the muscles.

Chia seeds consumption has also been demonstrated in studies to be superior to sports drinks in terms of improving exercise performance and training.

In addition, unlike sports drinks, it contains no unwanted preservatives, sugar, or added tastes, making it a surprisingly efficient energy drink ingredient.

Beneficial to Bone Health

Among the many advantages of chia seeds is their ability to strengthen bones and increase bone density. In fact, it has been linked to improving bone-related disorders such as osteoporosis.

Chia seeds, abundant in calcium and manganese, act as bone food. Calcium is essential for bone strength and density maintenance. Manganese also plays a significant function in bone metabolism. One ounce of chia seeds may provide 18% of our body's calcium needs and roughly 30% of manganese demands, which is really astounding.

Help With Weight Loss and Management

Chia seeds are naturally high in protein, which helps to build stronger but leaner muscles and aids in fat loss while efficiently controlling hunger and appetite. Chia seeds with water benefit help ingut health and promote weight loss. It works by reducing overall caloric intake while suppressing food cravings.

A study found that chia seeds help with weight loss by decreasing ghrelin levels, a hormone that stimulates hunger. Chia seeds for weight loss are helpful because they suppress appetite while preserving the body's energy levels.

Aids Cancer Management

One of the biggest chia seed's benefits is that it has anti-cancer properties. Chia seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This is a form of omega-3 fatty acid that is naturally cancer-fighting.

According to research published in the Journal of Molecular Biochemistry, alpha-linolenic acid effectively aids in reducing breast and cervical cancer-causing cells. In fact, chia seeds can eliminate cancer-causing cells while inflicting no harm to other cells in the body, which is nearly astounding.

Enhances Dental Health

Chia seeds are high in calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin A, all of which contribute to better tooth and oral health. Calcium, the building block of teeth, contributes to overall health, whilst zinc aids in preventing tartar and tooth mineralisation caused by plaque.

Zinc also has antimicrobial properties, which aid in preventing foul breath. Vitamin A and phosphorus are also extremely important for healthy and strong teeth. So for those wanting to improve their oral health, chia benefits can be highly helpful.

Simple to Include in Your Everyday Diet

Another outstanding advantage of chia seeds is their ease of incorporation into our everyday diet. They almost taste like poppy seeds, which are noticeable but not overpowering. Furthermore, they have the ability to give your dish an outstanding texture.

They don't need to be pre-cooked before use, making them a versatile addition to practically any recipe. Eat it raw or sprinkle it on your sweets, yoghurt, veggies, smoothies, cereal, or juices; it will mix in without overpowering the flavour. They can also absorb water.

Tips to Remember Before Eating Chia Seeds

There are many easy and quick ways with the help of which you can make chia seeds an integral part of your everyday eating habits. However, one must also be aware of things that should not be combined with chia seeds. Let's take a quick look:

Water is not the only liquid with which chia seeds can be taken. You can soak chia seeds in the fresh fruit juice of your choice. Let it soak for 30 mins before drinking. Your power-packed juice is ready.
Looking for an easy way to add more nutrient value to your smoothies? If yes, add chia seeds to it, and you are done.
Chia seeds can make your salads nutritious and healthy.
Similarly, chia seeds can be used in all your meals and a variety of food. From cereals to puddings to oats, chia seeds are sure not just to complete the taste but also significantly boost the nutritional value of your food.

Even though chia seeds have numerous benefits, it is essential to know that there are certain people for whom these seeds are not advisable. These are:

People with digestive issues should not consume chia seeds, as it has high fiber.
Even though chia seeds have 0 sugar, they are rich in carbohydrates. Therefore people with high blood sugar must refrain from eating chia seeds or have them in moderation.
People who are allergic to chia seeds can not eat them.

Conclusion

Chia seed's benefits make it a true superfood with several health advantages for the body and mind. Chia seeds complement any balanced diet, from maintaining heart health and controlling blood sugar levels to supporting bone health.

Their high nutrient content, versatility in cooking, and proven health advantages make them an excellent choice for people looking to improve their overall health.

HexaHealth is a one-stop destination for those seeking the right mediums to smoothen and streamline their health and wellness journey. Our experts from numerous fields provide you with the proper set of information that allows you to make the many big and small changes in your everyday life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are chia seeds?

Chia seeds are little, oval-shaped seeds that grow on the mint-family plant Salvia hispanica. They were a staple food in ancient civilisations such as the Aztecs and Mayans.

Chia seeds' benefits are known all around the world for their nutritional content and health advantages.

What are the proven health benefits of chia seeds?

Chia seeds have a variety of established health benefits. These include:

Digestive health support
Heart health promotion
Blood sugar management
Weight management assistance,
Sustained energy,
Bone health support.

What is the right way of consuming chia seeds?

One of the simplest ways of making chia seeds a part of your everyday diet is to consume them with water. Chia seed's water benefits are many. To make chia water, one needs to soak 1/4 cup (40 grams) of chia seeds in 4 cups (1 litre) of water for 20–30 minutes.

What happens if you eat chia seeds every day?

Eating chia seeds daily provides a variety of health benefits. These include :

Enhanced digestive health
Improved heart health
Blood sugar regulation
Weight management
Higher energy levels.

What are the benefits of consuming chia seeds in water?

Chia seeds water benefits are as follows :

Hydration: Chia seed water helps keep you hydrated because the seeds absorb water and release it slowly, allowing you to stay hydrated for extended periods of time.
Digestive Health: Chia seeds' gel-like consistency promotes healthy digestion by adding volume to stool and encouraging regular bowel movements.'
High fibre content: Chia seed water might help you feel full and pleased. This could help with appetite control and weight management.
Blood Sugar Stability: The gel formation delays carbohydrate absorption, which may help maintain blood sugar levels and minimise glucose spikes.

Are there any scientific benefits of eating chia seeds?

Yes, there are many scientific and proven benefits of chia seeds. These include :

High in antioxidants
Rich in quality protein
Carbs are present in the form of fibre
Contains many other essential nutrients with minimalistic calories.

Explain the positive impacts of chia seeds on health?

These tiny seeds, high in critical nutrients with unique qualities, provide various benefits when added to your diet. The many positive impacts and chia benefits include :

Improves bone health
Weight management
Improves skin quality
Improves blood sugar levels

Are there any advantages of chia seeds to my weight?

Chia seeds have garnered attention as a potential aid for weight management due to their unique nutritional composition. They offer :

Satiety
Reduced Caloric Intake
Slow Carbohydrate Absorption
Improved Nutrient Intake

What are the chia seeds benefits for the skin?

There are many chia seeds benefits for the skin. They should be a valuable addition to your skincare routine because they provide the following:

Hydration
Anti-Ageing Properties
Sooth and Calmness
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Natural Exfoliation

What is the best time to eat chia seeds?

There is no specific "best" time to eat chia seeds, as it depends on your personal preferences and dietary habits. Chia seeds can be consumed at any time of the day. It fits well into routine.

How do chia seeds contribute to overall well-being?

Chia seeds are rich in essential nutrients, including fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, and various vitamins and minerals. These nutrients support different bodily functions and contribute to overall health and well-being.

Why are chia seeds considered a superfood?

Chia seeds are considered a superfood due to their exceptional nutritional profile. They are packed with essential nutrients, including fibre, protein, minerals, healthy fats, vitamins, etc, making them highly beneficial for overall health.

What are some specific ways that chia seeds can improve my health?

Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, which can help reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure, a specific way to improve heart health.

Can we drink chia seeds water all day?

Chia seed in water benefits the complete body and is a healthy and nutritious drink, it is not recommended to consume it excessively throughout the day. Chia seeds have been known to absorb water and expand in the stomach, which may cause digestive discomfort if over-consumed.

How long do I soak chia seeds?

To create chia seed gel or chia seed water, you can soak chia seeds in water for at least 15 minutes. This much time allows the chia seeds to absorb the water and form a gel-like consistency.

Can I drink chia on an empty stomach?

Yes, you can drink chia seeds on an empty stomach. Chia seeds are generally well-tolerated and safe to consume on an empty stomach.

Can I drink chia at night?

Yes, it is generally safe to drink chia seeds at night. Chia seeds are a nutritious food and can be enjoyed at any time of the day that fits well into your routine.

Are chia seeds hot or cold for the body?

Chia seeds do not have a heating or cooling effect on the body in the traditional sense. They are considered neutral in terms of their thermal properties.

Are there any side effects of chia seeds?

Like any other food, chia seeds should be consumed in moderation. However, excessive use of chia seeds may result in adverse effects such as stomach pain, which may typically be resolved by drinking plenty of water.

Who should not consume chia seeds?

While chia seeds provide various health advantages and are typically safe for most people, certain people should use caution or avoid taking chia seeds entirely.

How many chia seeds per day?

The recommended daily intake of chia seeds varies based on individual factors, such as age, gender, activity level, and overall health. Generally, one to two tablespoons (approximately 15-30 grams) of chia seeds daily can provide significant health benefits without adding excessive calories.

What combinations with chia seeds are not recommended?

Consuming dry chia seeds without soaking them in liquid or hydrating them can lead to discomfort, especially for individuals with swallowing difficulties. Chia seeds have a gel-like consistency when mixed with water, and consuming them dry may cause choking or difficulties in swallowing.

Can chia seeds be added to yoghurt?

Yes, chia seeds can be added to yoghurt, and it's a popular and nutritious way to incorporate these tiny seeds into your diet.

References

All the articles on HexaHealth are supported by verified medically-recognized sources such as; peer-reviewed academic research papers, research institutions, and medical journals. Our medical reviewers also check references of the articles to prioritize accuracy and relevance. Refer to our detailed editorial policy for more information.

11 Proven Health Benefits of Chia Seeds [Internet]. Healthline. 2018.