Chia seeds have been one of the staple foods of the Maya and Aztec diets for centuries. Chia meant “power” in the Mayan language, and the seeds of this plant were known as “runners’ meals” because runners and warriors used to consume these seeds as “fuel” while taking long distances or during the war.
Today, seeds attract everyone’s attention because of the benefits they have for a healthy body. Attracting attention as a rich food, Chia seeds stand out with their antioxidant qualities and are included in daily nutrition.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds, which have become one of the most popular healthy foods of recent years, are tiny black seeds obtained from the Salvia Hispanica plant. Salvia Hispanica is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family and grows in central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. It was proved that it was cultivated by the Aztecs in the pre-Columbian period.
Chia seeds, which can be digested easily if prepared properly, are a versatile ingredient that can be easily added to recipes. Of course, there are also plenty of benefits. Research reveals that eating chia seeds regularly can improve your health in a variety of ways.
One of the most popular ways to consume chia seeds is to make the seeds swell and soften by soaking them in water or milk for two hours. During this wait, the seeds absorb the liquid and form a gel, and the mixture acquires a custard-like texture. Alternatively, this mixture can be put in the refrigerator overnight and made ready the next day. For flavoring, seeds can be soaked by adding flavored milk, juices, cinnamon, ginger or some honey.
What is chia seeds?
The reason why chia seeds are so beneficial is that they are rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. It is a useful source of plant protein and provides a number of amino acids, especially for vegetarian and vegan diets. Due to its structure consisting of fat, protein and fiber composition, it is relatively slow digested. This means it provides a long and slow release of energy to keep blood sugar levels in balance.
Due to its intense nutritional value and energy level, chia seeds are also called “health and energy bombs”. In this sense, Chia seeds contain some important nutrients. The 25g portion of chia seeds contains about 9g fiber. The amount of fiber recommended to be consumed daily is 30 g. Therefore, seeds of 25 g every day meet most of the daily need.
The chia plant, originally grown in Mexico, was very valuable in terms of its medicinal qualities and nutritional values, so that it was even used as a currency. Aztec warriors were said to be able to survive for only 24 hours with a spoonful of chia.
Chia seed benefits
New research shows that the benefits of chia seeds are more than we thought. For example; While seeds help to make the skin healthier, they can also reduce the signs of aging. In addition, it supports the heart and digestive system, helps build stronger bones and muscles. The seeds, which can provide much more, can even be used in the treatment of diabetes.
The seeds help the body to balance the insulin levels due to its dense fiber and healthy fats structure, while ensuring that the bowel movements become regular. In addition, while contributing to the growth of prebiotics in the intestines, it causes more difficult hunger with the feeling of fullness and fullness.
Chia helps increase your energy and metabolic rate. A published study shows that in a 90-minute sporting event after consuming seeds, performance can increase as much as energy drinks are consumed. In addition, studies show that after adding chia seeds to your diet, it reduces the “belly fat” tissue that affects the body’s metabolism and is a component of obesity.
Helping the bones become stronger thanks to the calcium it contains, chia ensures the healthy growth of bones and muscles with the amount of boron it contains. Among the plant-based protein sources, seeds also benefit as an important nutrient source in muscle development and formation.
