Every corner of the globe can boast of its natural gifts, which help people get rid of ailments without using medications. Modern people are much more fortunate than their ancestors, because today you can buy any healing plant or its parts without any problems, even if its homeland is thousands of kilometers away. One of these products, rapidly gaining popularity in folk treatment around the world, are chia seeds.
What are chia seeds, the beneficial properties of a plant
Such a strange name was given to this plant by Central America, which is the birthplace of chia. The plant itself did not play a big role and never attracted much attention. But its seeds over the past few years have gained considerable popularity not only in America, but also abroad.
Means based on them are used to treat various diseases, get rid of excess weight. The seeds of the annual chia grass are outwardly similar to beans, only reduced several times to the size of flax seeds. They have a shiny surface with a certain pattern and a mild, but characteristic nutty taste.
Since ancient times, the Aztecs believed in the superpower of seeds, so they ate them in significant quantities before going on a hunt. Chia seeds gave the body strength, increased energy reserves, and gave endurance.
Along with the fruits of amaranth, chia was considered the main food of the Aztecs. Its value was so high that the plant was even used as a currency, medicine was made from it, oil was extracted, and used as ordinary food.
Nutritional value of chia seeds and beneficial properties
Due to the rapid popularity of chia seeds, a lot of information has spread. On the first try, it is difficult to determine which of the information is true and what is the marketing ploy of the manufacturers. Therefore, you need to believe, first of all, dry facts about the composition of chia seeds and healing qualities.
The chemical composition of chia seeds:
• 44% of the mass is carbohydrates, 31% healthy fats, 16% are given to proteins and 38% belong to fiber;
• nutritional value of 2 tablespoons is 85 kilocalories;
• in terms of fatty acid content, mainly omega-3, exceeds chia 100 grams of salmon;
• the amount of seeds placed in two tablespoons is 41% of the daily value of dietary fiber;
• contain a huge amount of calcium, which is 6 times more than in milk;
• makes up 32% of the daily requirement of the body for magnesium;
• rich in iron, the amount of which is 6 times more than in spinach;
• contains a lot of potassium, which is 64% more than in a banana;
• Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, the amount of which is 2 times their content in blueberries;
• the composition also includes vitamins C, A, E;
• micro and macro elements, such as phosphorus, zinc;
• substances riboflavin, niacin, thiamine.
After studying the composition, it becomes clear why chia seeds are such a good energy and energize the body. High in calcium, fiber, omega-3, magnesium and potassium is an excellent vitamin set created by nature. Moreover, it should be noted that it is plant sources of calcium, such as chia seeds, that contribute to better assimilation of this useful substance in the body than sources of animal origin.
Home treatment with chia seeds: beneficial properties and healing qualities
An excellent alternative to pharmacy vitamin complexes in the form of chia seeds is not only perfectly absorbed in the body, but also endows it with useful substances. Regular use of the product gives the body the following benefits:
1. Helps to lose weight by adjusting weight. But do not forget that in addition to eating chia seeds, you must adhere to proper nutrition and consume a sufficient amount of liquid.
2. Fatty acids help improve heart function, the state of blood vessels and maintain the health of the system as a whole.
3. Significantly lower the level of bad cholesterol in the body.
4. Give a long saturation. After 2 tablespoons of seeds, the feeling of hunger completely disappears. There are many diets based on the American product.
5. On the basis of chia seeds, a drug is being developed that will later be used to treat grade 2 diabetes.
6. Saturation with useful elements such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorus will help strengthen bones, teeth, improve the condition of hair and nails.
7. Chia seeds are even appreciated and actively consumed by vegetarians, as this product is an excellent source of calcium.
8. Seeds are useful for problems with the digestive tract. Once in the intestines, the seeds fight off harmful bacteria, and beneficial ones regenerate. Therefore, the development of infection in the digestive tract is unlikely.
9. Seeds are used as a prophylactic for colds and flu. Seasonal colds bypass those people who regularly eat seeds.
10. The antioxidants included in the composition help relieve allergic symptoms and have a restorative and anti-aging effect on the body.
Numerous beneficial properties are determined primarily by the unique composition of the plant. Therefore, arguing that chia seeds are an excellent food product is difficult and pointless.
How to choose chia seeds, plant contraindications
When shopping for miraculous seeds, you should adhere to these rules:
1. Pay attention to the country of origin of the plants. Currently, chia growers are Guatemala, Mexico, India, Australia and Southern Europe. If the inscription “Made in China” appears on the packaging, is it worth mentioning that you should not buy such names. This country is absolutely indifferent to the environmental cleanliness of food, in order to avoid harm to health should not be consumed.
2. The presence of certificates of quality and organic control will help you find the right product.
3. Price factor. The average price for 250 grams of seeds in the United States is about $ 8, in Europe about 8 euros, in Russia about 600 rubles. If the price difference is too large, and the seeds do not seem to inspire confidence, it is better to refuse such a purchase.
Chia seed damage and contraindications
There are several disadvantages behind the extolling of the beneficial properties of each product. Sometimes they seem insignificant at first glance, but for the health of some people can be a serious threat. Chia seeds have contraindications:
• The occurrence of allergic manifestations in some people, while symptoms such as skin rashes, diarrhea, shortness of breath may occur;
• chia seeds are not recommended for hypotensives;
• do not combine the use of seeds and anticoagulants;
• side effect in the form of excessive gas formation in the intestine.
The beneficial and harmful properties of the chia plant and its seeds have not yet been fully studied by scientists in relation to pregnant and lactating women. It is possible that chia seeds do not have contraindications for them, but it is better to forget about the product during these periods of life.
