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14 PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDSSeptember 30, 2015

LAURENTINE TEN BOSCH, FILMMAKER (FOOD MATTERS (HTTP://FOODMATTERS.TV/) AND HUNGRY FORCHANGE (HTTP://WWW.HUNGRYFORCHANGE.TV/))

Chia seeds have so many health bene枕ts! They are one of the world’s oldest sourcesof nutrition, documented to have been eaten by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans asearly as 3500 BC and even used for medicinal purposes. 

Today, thanks to their wide-spread availability, they’re a powerhouse addition toanybody's diet! Rich in nutrients and so easy to use, they can be eaten raw, soaked injuice, added to porridge (https://www.fmtv.com/watch/chia-seed-porridge), puddings(http://foodmatters.tv/content/chia-pudding-with-granola-and-mixed-berries), andbaked goods (http://www.foodmatters.tv/content/almond-chia-seed-bread), and evenincluded into your smoothies (http://foodmatters.tv/content/walnut-brownie-breakfast-smoothie-recipe), breakfasts, yogurt, salads, quinoa and veggie dishes(http://foodmatters.tv/content/stir-fried-veg-with-chili-ginger-chia-jam-recipe).

They also have an amazing ability to absorb water and fat, so they can be used tothicken sauces or as a vegan egg substitute (http://foodmatters.tv/content/easy-egg-substitutions-a-how-to-guide) in recipes too!

Here are 14 proven health bene枕ts of chia seeds:

1. They Are Rich In Antioxidants

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1. They Are Rich In AntioxidantsChia seeds are high in antioxidants (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24811150)which helps 枕ght free radical damage in the body, but also helps to prevent thehealthy fats from going rancid in the seeds. You also don't need to grind them to ameal like you do with ⇵axseeds to get the most bene枕ts! 

2. Chia Seeds Are Typically Non-GMO And GrownOrganically Chia seeds are organic, raw, Non-GMO, non-irradiated, and produced withoutpesticides which means they’re one of the world’s purest seeds, so you can eat themwithout worrying about consuming harmful pesticide residues! 

3. Chia Seeds Are Suitable For A Low Carb DietIf you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, then chia seeds are your friend! The netcarb content is only 1 gram per ounce, which is really low! Plus, as chia seeds containso much 枕ber, they can also help you stay full for longer - supporting any weight losse븵抮orts, or simply curbing those hunger pangs. 

4. They’re Good For Your Digestive SystemThe 枕ber in chia seeds also help to support your digestive system. Feeding thebacteria in the intestine, which helps them to thrive and nourish your body withessential compounds for immunity and overall health. 

5. Chia Seeds Are A Great Source Of Plant ProteinThese tiny little seeds are about 14% protein, which is high compared to most plants!A diet higher in protein has been shown to help reduce appetite, improve musclerepair, and even curb nighttime snacking(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20847729) by 50%! 

6. Trying To Lose Weight? Add Chia!Due to the protein and 枕ber content of chia, as well as its ability to absorb a stack ofwater (hello tummy-枕lling power!), chia seeds make a great addition to your diet ifyou’re trying to maintain or lose weight (http://foodmatters.tv/content/losing-weight-hormones-vs-calories). 

7. Chia Seeds Support Healthy BonesGram for gram, chia seeds have more calcium than most dairy products providing18% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults in a single ounce! As well asbeing high in several nutrients important for bone health, including calcium

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(http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/what-the-dairy-industry-is-not-telling-you),phosphorus, magnesium and protein. 

8. They Help To Detoxify The BodyAs the highest combined plant source of omega-3, 枕bre and protein, chia seeds are agreat addition to your detoxi枕cation e븵抮orts. They help support your body’s naturaldetoxi枕cation pathways, repair your cells, reduce in⇵ammation and support a healthydigestive system. 

9. They're A Natural Beauty Food! The blend of nutrients in chia seeds such as healthy fats, protein and mineralsincluding zinc help promote healthy skin, hair and nails. 

10. Protect Your Heart With Chia Just one tablespoon of chia will provide you with 100% of your daily requirement foromega-3 ALA. Research shows that plant-based omega-3 is essential for a healthyheart by helping to lower cholesterol while maintaining proper artery function. Bothomega-3 ALA and DHA (found in oily 枕sh) are vital in lowering the risk ofcardiovascular disease, and chia has plenty!

11. Reduce Your Risk Of Colon CancerWith 36% 枕ber content and a perfect balance of 80% insoluble versus 20% soluble,chia helps lower cholesterol, improves intestinal health and regularity and can reducethe risk of colon cancer. 

12. Reduce Your Risk Of Metabolic SyndromeChia seeds are rich in soluble 枕ber(https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002136.htm) which dissolves inwater, swelling to form a gel-like substance. This helps to improve your heart healthby keeping blood sugar spikes at bay and lowering cholesterol. 

13. Chia Seeds Are Gluten-FreeThat means Coeliacs and those intolerant to gluten are also able to enjoy the bene枕tsof these super seeds! Plus they don’t come with the potentially damaging e븵抮ects ofgluten (http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/could-going-gluten-free-save-your-life) whenconsumed in excess. 

14. Chia Seeds Are Great For Those With DiabetesA study (http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/30/11/2804.long)in those with Type2 Diabetes showed that chia seeds can signi枕cantly lower blood pressure and a

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TWEET COMMENT EMAIL SHARES

marker for in⇵ammation.

Chia seeds aren’t only fun to eat, but they’re so full of goodness that you’re body willlove them! 

How Do You Enjoy Chia Seeds?

Not sure where to start? Try this Vanilla Bean Chia Porridge with Sauteed CaramelisedPears (http://www.foodmatters.tv/content/vanilla-bean-chia-porridge-with-sauteed-caramel-pears-recipe) or Chia Jam! (http://foodmatters.tv/content/chia-jam-recipe)

Want more fun facts on chia’s health bene枕ts? Click here to 枕nd out why it’s such awonder food! (http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/chia-seeds-for-protein-and-omega-3)

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About the Author

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About the Author

Laurentine ten BoschLaurentine ten Bosch, 枕lmmaker of Food Matters and Hungry For Change and founder ofFMTV. Along with James Colquhoun, Laurentine founded Food Matters, giving people thetools (枕lms, books, website, TV) to take charge of their own health. Food Matters is aninternationally acclaimed widely popular documentary about the medical and healthcareindustries. Their latest documentary, Hungry For Change, reveals how the diet andprocessed food industries are the enemies of permanent weight loss, vibrant health, andnatural living. From here, FMTV was born! A place where we can access vital information bywatching all of your favorite inspiring documentaries, expert interviews & recipe videos inone place.

(http://www.foodmatters.tv) (https://www.facebook.com/foodmatters) (https://twitter.com/foodmatters枕lm) (http://www.pinterest.com/foodmatters枕lm/)

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