Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are considered a superfood and are particularly healthy because they are rich in important nutrients. They contain essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, omega-3 fatty acids and important antioxidants.
Regular consumption of chia can lower blood pressure, prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease, protect cell membranes and thin the blood.
The seeds, also known as the gold of the Aztecs, have an anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effect and are also kind to blood vessels.
With a daily dose of 15 g of chia seeds, you can make an important contribution to your health and protect yourself from disease.
What's more, chia seeds are so rich that they have a beneficial effect on the feeling of satiety. Chia seeds also work against cravings. A nice side effect, especially for all athletes.
What healthy ingredients do chia seeds contain?
Chia seeds are a highly potent source of calcium and contain vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, vitamin A and essential amino acids. They also contain the enzyme biotin and the trace elements and minerals magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. In addition, the Chia plant contains the antioxidant selenium.
Selenium protects the cell membrane from the influence of free radicals. The composition of dietary fibres, proteins and fats makes chia seeds a real power food in addition to the healthy active ingredients.
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Do chia seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids?
Chia seeds are a great source of omega 3 fatty acids and are therefore excellent for supplying your body with these essential fats. Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids account for more than half of the fat content of the black seeds. Animal products with a high omega-3 content, such as cold-water fish, contain the unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
In non-animal products with a high omega-3 content, i.e. in oils, seeds and nuts, the unsaturated omega-3 fatty acid ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is present. These can be converted into EPA and DHA in the body. However, it is a fact that far smaller amounts of EPA and DHA can be converted from non-animal products, i.e. from ALA, than from animal products.
Therefore, you need foods with a high content of omega-3 fatty acids if you want to absorb this fat through plant-based products. This is not a problem with the high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds. The recommended amount is 15 grams daily.
What effect do omega-3 fatty acids have?
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for our health. The main property of these fatty acids is the inhibition of inflammation in the body. This anti-inflammatory effect is an important factor for our long-term health because it enables our body to defend itself against harmful environmental influences and to fight inflammation in the body.
Unfortunately, in today's world, the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 is unbalanced due to our unbalanced diet. We need both for our health. A common misconception is that many people think that vegetable products do not contain omega-6. However, this is a myth.
It's about a balance in the intake of fat. The better the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, the better the anti-inflammatory effect on our body. A ratio of 1:5 (omega-3 to omega-6) is considered optimal.
How can I prepare chia seeds? From salad topper to chia seed pudding
There are many ways to prepare chia. You can simply sprinkle the black seeds over your salad or mix them into a smoothie or oatmeal porridge. This way, you can get a healthy extra almost unnoticed. But chia seeds can also be used in hot dishes, of course. Once soaked, chia seeds also have the property of becoming sticky.
That's why they're a great tip for a vegetarian egg substitute. This special feature of chia can also be used for a fibre-rich chia seed pudding. A pudding made from soaked chia seeds is a very healthy dessert that you should definitely try!
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If you want to optimise your diet, whether it's to prevent illness or lose some weight, then chia seeds are for you. The chia plant was originally called Salvia Hispanica, is native to Central America and has been known there for a long time as a rich and important food.
Meanwhile, the black seeds are also considered an absolute superfood in our country. This is not surprising when you look at the seemingly countless positive properties of chia seeds.
Verival offers you the black seeds in their natural form or in porridge that is based on the recommended amount and ensures a healthy breakfast. Just give it a try and do something good for yourself every day with Salvia Hispanica.
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