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If you're looking for a nutrient dense, high in fiber snack, chia seeds should be your go to! Chia seeds may come in a variety of different and unique forms such as chia seed pudding or chia seed water. What's even better is adding chia seeds into your everyday foods to get an even bigger nutrient kick. At moüthfuel, we believe adding these certain foods into your diet can make an enormous impact in supporting your body functions and systems!
Introducing the Chia seed
The chia seed, which is also known as Salvia hispanica L., is native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. It was a staple in ancient Aztec and Mayan diets, with evidence suggesting their use dating back thousands of years. Even the word “chia” is shown to be related to Mayan origins, meaning “strength”. These seeds are related to the mint family, holding similar benefits. The chia seed is extremely versatile and can be easily incorporated in your everyday foods. Foods like these are helpful in providing you with a nutrient boost for each of your meals. Of course chia seeds do not have to be present in every one of your meals, but they can certainly be added when a meal may not be as nutrient dense as someone may prefer. In fact, the chia seed has many different characteristics that you may not find in other foods too commonly. For example, when the chia seed is soaked within any type of liquid, they can absorb 9 times their weight in liquid! Chia seeds can also come in the form of a powder. Those who have a distaste for the texture of soaked chia seeds can alternatively grind it up into a powder and add it to various recipes and baked goods. To summarize, the chia seed has multiple functionalities that all provide a better understanding of how beneficial and important this superfood really is!
Nutritional benefits of chia seeds
1. Reduces blood pressure
The high content of omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial compounds all play a factor in reducing blood pressure. Studies show that omega-3s have been linked with the lowering of blood pressure due to their ability to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function.
Studies have shown consuming chia seeds during a 7 week period has resulted in the reduction of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The various antioxidants found in the chia seed is shown to be linked with the reduction of blood pressure as well.
2. Supports digestive health
Chia seeds are extremely high in fiber content which promotes healthy digestion. The high fiber also prevents constipation and regulates your bowel system. The high amount of fiber supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, providing you with a healthy gut microbiome.
3. Rich in antioxidants
The many different antioxidants the chia seed provides has many beneficial effects to the human body. Not only do the antioxidants protect the sensitive fats in chia seeds from going against you, but also benefit human health by neutralizing reactive molecules known as free radicals, which can damage cell compounds if they build up in your body. Some of these antioxidants may include tocopherols, phytosterols, carotenoids, and polyphenolic compounds.
4. Reduces blood sugar levels
Chia seeds have the ability to lower and stabilize one's blood sugar levels due to their high content in fiber. The rich source of fiber within the chia seed helps slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream, preventing a glucose spike after your meals. Chia seeds also already contain a low glycemic index meaning they don't cause a rapid increase in glucose levels. The lowering of blood sugar can also lead to many helpful results regarding those who may be suffering from diabetes.
5. Improve bone health
Chia seeds are rich in nutrients that are important for bone health. Some of which being calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Many studies show these minerals are crucial for maintaining good bone mineral density, an indicator of bone strength.
Why did we use chia seeds in our möuthfuel formula?
There are numerous different studies that have shown the amazing beneficial factors of the chia seed. We primarily incorporated the chia seeds within our products to ensure a healthy gut microbiome and to support one's digestive health. Chia seeds are one of the many delicious and healthy ingredients used in möuthfuel to provide our customers with nourishment of the soul and body!
A general rule of thumb and recommendation is to always consume even the healthiest of foods in moderation as the scientific literature is constantly changing and balance is key to maintaining a well-rounded diet and lifestyle.