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15 Reasons Why You Need to Eat More Chia Seeds (Number 8 is Amazing)
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When someone starts talking about chia seeds, do you think about those little terra cotta animals that get covered in chia seeds and sprout “fur”? Many people do think about chia seeds that way, but nowadays chia seeds are better known for their healthy omega-3 fats, fiber, and other nutritional benefits.
Chia seeds actually come from a plant that is native to Guatemala and Mexico. It’s believed that the Aztecs ate great quantities of these seeds, but was mostly unheard of anywhere outside of Mexico until a researcher began to study these seeds about 30 years ago.
Although there has not been a great deal of research into these seeds, what we do know about them is absolutely amazing. Chia seeds can come in white, black, or dark brown colors but don’t be fooled. Red seeds are immature chia seeds and don’t have all the nutritional benefits of mature chia seeds. Also, black seeds that are smaller than other chia seeds are most likely the seeds from various grasses and weeds and not chia seeds. Always buy your seeds from a reputable source.
These little seeds have so much to offer us, it’s almost a crime to not be eating more of them. Keep reading and find out the big band these tiny seeds have to offer.
1. Regulate Almost Everything
Chia seeds are high in an amino acid called tryptophan. You have probably heard of this amino acid every Thanksgiving as turkey meat is also high in this compound. Yes, it can make you feel sleepy, but this is because it gives you a feeling of well-being. Tryptophan regulates your moods, sleep patterns, appetite, and much more. Chia seeds will help you feel full quickly and keep you feeling that way. Since they are pretty much tasteless, why not add them to just about everything?
2. Lots of Nutrients – Very Few Calories
Related to the mint family, these tiny seeds come from the native plant salvia hispanica, which grows in Mexico and South America. Both the Mayans and Aztecs prized these seeds for their nutritional makeup. In fact, the word itself “chia” is a Mayan word that means strength. These are true superfoods as they have tons of nutrition but have very few calories. Just one ounce of chia seeds (and that’s a lot of seeds) has zinc, thiamine, niacin, B2, fiber and protein, but only a tiny 137 calories and 1 gram of carbohydrates.
3. Speaking of Protein…
If you are a vegan, then you will definitely want to eat more chia seeds. These little black seeds have no cholesterol and a simple 28 gram serving has 4.4 grams of protein, which is about 10 percent of your recommended daily requirement. By weight, chia seeds are about 14 percent protein, which is super high when you compare this to most other plants. They also have a good balance of essential amino acids so that your body should be able to actually use the protein in these tiny seeds.
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