8 Miraculous Health Benefits of Chia Seeds and Recipes

Last updated on September 22nd, 2023

Chia seeds, which are incredibly rich in nutrients, have been known for their health benefits for centuries. High in antioxidants, Chia seeds are loaded with minerals, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which help to support heart health, strong bones, and blood sugar control.

Chia seeds are tiny black or white seeds that come from the plant Salvia hispanica L and are believed to be native to Central America. These extremely nourishing seeds were a staple item in the meals of Aztec and Mayan civilizations. Evidence also suggests that this popular food was used for medical purposes, religious rites, and even cosmetics. Even today, Chia seeds are being consumed by individuals all over the world.

Also known as a superfood, Chia seeds are backed by many health experts for their high nutritional value. In fact 28 grams or 2 tablespoons of Chia seeds has the following essential nutrients.

This table represents several nutrients and their amounts present in 28 g of Chia seeds:

What’s more impressive is the fact that this nutritional profile is for only a single serving of around two teaspoons.

Also Read: Benefits of Sabja Seeds

Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load of Chia Seeds

The Glycemic index (GI) is a mathematical method to give a numerical value to food depending on how quickly it raises blood sugar levels. Under the method, foods are graded on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being pure glucose (sugar). A lower glycemic index of a meal roughly means it has more fiber and will raise sugar levels slowly in the blood after consumption. Whereas, a higher GI of a meal tells how finally processed the food is and how quickly it will spike the blood sugar.

People with diabetes should pay attention to both the glycemic index and glycemic load to avoid a sudden rise in blood sugar.

Due to their low glycemic index, Chia seeds are a good food choice for diabetic patients. Despite its high glucose content, Chia seeds have a GI of only 4, making them one of the “low-GI foods”. Low-GI carbohydrates are slowly digested and absorbed, allowing blood sugar levels to remain stable.

Glycemic Index of Dried Chia Seeds

Dry Chia seeds have a glycemic index of 30, indicating that they are a low GI food.

Glycemic Load of Dried Chia Seeds

Dry Chia seeds have a glycemic load of 12.6, hence they fall under the medium GL category.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Papaya 

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Loaded with several health benefits, Chia seeds are also a magic food for diabetic patients. Its high fiber content is the key reason why it is beneficial to diabetics. The soluble fibers in chia seeds are known to assist diabetic patients in lowering their glycemic response. Furthermore, including chia seeds in your food can result in substantial decreases in post-meal plasma glucose and insulin levels in pre-diabetic obese participants, as per a study.

Chia Seeds are Antioxidant

Chia seeds are a good source of antioxidants and protect our body by neutralizing reactive molecules known as free radicals, which can damage cell compounds. It is to be noted that free radical damage contributes to aging and can be a reason for life-threatening illnesses such as cancer.

Antioxidants present in Chia seeds include chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. These antioxidants have heart and liver-protective characteristics, as well as anticancer capabilities.

Chia Seeds’ health benefits help to lower hypertension because of the chlorogenic acid present in it, whereas caffeic acid has anti-inflammatory properties.

Chia Seeds For Weight Loss

Chia seeds include fiber and protein, which may help those who are trying to lose some weight. One ounce (28 grams) of chia seeds has close to 10 grams of dietary fiber, which roughly translates that these tiny seeds are around 35% fiber content by weight.

Furthermore, the protein present in chia seeds may reduce hunger and keep you fulfilled for a long time. Chia seeds are claimed to successfully reduce hunger and promote fullness for a total of 2.5 hours after eating, thus we can say that chia seeds benefit in weight loss.

Lower your Risk of Heart Disease

High in fiber and omega-3, Chia seeds may reduce your risk of heart disease. Chia seeds have Soluble fiber, which helps lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol in your blood. In turn, this can reduce your risk of heart disease. Also, a study suggests that chia seeds significantly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a strong risk factor for heart disease.

Chia Seeds Prompt Better Bone Density

Chia seeds are abundant in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are all essential for bone health. Getting enough of these nutrients is recommended for maintaining adequate bone mineral density. As a result, the consumption of chia seeds will benefit your bone health if consumed regularly in the diet.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Ber/Jujube

Reduce Blood Sugar levels

Because of its rich fiber content and other beneficial elements, chia seeds are also believed to aid with blood sugar management.

High blood sugar levels can pose serious problems for diabetic patients. Notably, Constant high fasting blood sugar levels are linked to an increased risk of various health issues, including heart disease.

Chia Seeds May Improve the Lipid Profile of your Blood

These tiny little magical seeds can do wonders for Type-2 diabetic patients, as it is known to regulate high cholesterol levels. The presence of high total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides are all risk factors for the development of this condition.

Interestingly, Chia seeds are 10 grams of fiber per ounce (28 grams), roughly 40% of the daily recommended fiber consumption. This fiber-rich superfood can help you bring down your cholesterol and improve your heart health.

Also, Chia seeds are claimed to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is referred to as “good” cholesterol. HDL helps remove LDL- the “bad” cholesterol from your body.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Chia Seeds May Help Prevent Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when your body quits responding to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a key player in developing Type-2 diabetes.

It develops when blood sugar levels remain high for an extended period of time. It also causes a group of problems like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Chia Seeds Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart attack, and renal failure. It is claimed that consuming Chia seed supplementation could help reduce arterial stiffness in diabetic patients. Moreover, its daily consumption may also result in a visible decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Turmeric

Chia Seeds Recipes

Chia seeds can be a simple addition to your everyday diet and kitchen cabinet. This nutrient-rich fun food is used in a variety of recipes, including puddings, pancakes, yogurt, cereal, and smoothies.

Chia Seeds Loaded Morning Breakfast

To get the health benefits of this superfood, you can add it to your muesli with oats, cinnamon, and seasonal fruits in a mixing bowl. Now pour some milk and enjoy your ready-to-go breakfast!

Chia Seeds Pudding

This tasty, healthful, flexible, and easy-to-create meal requires only 4 ingredients and 1 bowl. To make this deliciously creamy, thick chia pudding you need

• Dairy-free milk: 1-1/2 cups
• Chia seeds: 1/2 cup
• Maple syrup: 1-2 tablespoons
• Vanilla extract:  1 teaspoon
• Fruits: Optional

Instructions for Making Chia Seeds Pudding

• Add dairy-free milk, Chia seeds, Maple syrup (to taste), and vanilla to a mixing dish. To blend the ingredients, whisk them together.
• Refrigerate the mixture overnight, covered (or at least 6 hours). The chia pudding should have a rich, creamy texture. If not, add some more Chia seeds and toss your pudding for another hour or two.
• Garnish with some fresh fruit to serve!

Note: You can keep the pudding in the refrigerator and enjoy it for up to 5 days if covered.

As an Egg Substitute

Soak 1 tablespoon of Chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water for 30 minutes till a gel forms. Now go ahead and use this gelatinous texture for each egg in your recipe.

Add Chia Seeds to Your Juice

These healthy seeds can be added to any drink, not just water. To prepare a drink packed with fiber and minerals, soak 1/4 cup of chia seeds in 4 cups of fruit juice for 30 minutes. And enjoy your healthy glass of juice with some goodness of fiber and other essential minerals.

Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are highly nutritious. They’re packed with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients.

Chia Seed Smoothie

To make your smoothie even more nutritious, try adding some Chia seeds. It can be stirred-in in almost any smoothie. Just don’t forget to soak them to make a gel before adding.

Chia Seeds Protein Bars

If you are health conscious and want to cut down on your sugar intake, try some delicious and healthy protein bars with the goodness of Chia seeds.

Make Chia Seed Nutritional Bar

• Unsalted almonds: 3/4 cup
• Unsalted pistachios (shells removed): 1/4 cup
• Pitted dates: 1/4 cup
• Raisins or dried cranberries: 1/4 cup
• Protein powder (unflavored or vanilla): 1 scoop
• Chia seeds: 1 tablespoon
• Unsweetened apple sauce:  2 tablespoons
• Coconut oil:  1 tablespoon

Cooking Instructions

In a food processor, grind the almonds and pistachios for around 30-40 seconds till they become like coarse sand (not too fine). Now, add some dates and raisins and run the grinder for another 30 seconds.

The fun part starts now as you need to add your favorite protein powder, Chia seeds, applesauce, and coconut oil to a mixing bowl. Grind for another 30 seconds, or until the mixture is fully blended, moist, and somewhat sticky. In case you find the mixture too dry, add about 1/2 teaspoon more coconut oil and mix again.

Place the mixture on a large tray and set it aside to set. Place a big sheet of wax or parchment paper over the mixture and spread it out to an equal thickness using a rolling pin.

Leave on the tray after cutting into bars. Now toss the tray into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. After your bars take a solid shape, pack them in plastic wrap individually. You can eat these bars for one week from the fridge or freeze them for up to two months to keep them firm and fresh.

Also Read: Recipes and Benefits of Avocados

Side Effects of Chia Seeds

Just like any other food item, Chia seeds can also pose potential health problems if not taken in moderation. One should drink plenty of water when including Chia seeds in one’s diet. If they have any medical history, an allergy, or are undergoing some medical treatment, Chia seeds may also interfere with the medication.

Despite the fact that Chia seeds have immense health benefits, they are highly nutritious and can be a healthy dietary addition. There are a few side effects of this superfood that may cause you some trouble.

May Lead to Digestive Problems

As Chia seeds are a good source of dietary fiber and contain 10 grams of fiber every 1-ounce (28-gram) serving, eating too much of it can be problematic for some. Though fiber is crucial for your health as it helps the healthy bacteria in your stomach and promotes better bowel movement, too much of it can cause abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. This mostly happens when a high-fiber diet is combined with dehydration, as water is required for fiber to move through the digestive tract. The negative symptoms from high fiber intake can be countered by gradually increasing the fiber intake and drinking plenty of water to help it pass through the body – especially if they have not been presoaked.

Patients with inflammatory bowel conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are also advised to avoid chia seeds during flare-ups and watch their fiber consumption.

So, moderation is the key, and drink plenty of water when you take Chia seeds.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

May Cause Allergic Reactions in Some People

Although it’s very rare, some people may suffer an allergic response after eating Chia seeds. Vomiting, diarrhea, and itching of the lips or tongue are some of the common symptoms of food allergy.

Some Medications May Interact with Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are generally safe if you have them in moderate quantities. However, if you eat too much of them while taking blood sugar or blood pressure drugs, you may want to limit your intake, as too many Chia seeds may interfere with the effectiveness of certain drugs.

Can Diabetic Patients Eat Chia seeds?

Yes, diabetic patients too can enjoy the goodness of this tiny, oval superfood that comes packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. As Chia seeds also have a low glycemic index, they don’t cause normal blood sugar levels to surge. It is suggested that chia seeds should be included in the diabetic diet as 1 ounce of chia seeds per day.

Also Read: Diabetic Diet Chart Indian

Conclusion

Chia seeds are a healthy meal choice for diabetic patients. As they are low in glycemic index, they won’t spike blood sugar. Loaded with fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, Chia seeds are good against several health problems be it cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, low bone density, etc many others.

Chia seeds are an excellent addition to a healthy and balanced diet and can be incorporated into our daily life easily through smoothies, juices, and other delicacies.

Always have it in moderation and if you experience any unpleasant effects after eating them, discontinue its consumption. Also, always consult a healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms or are on any medication.

Read More: Health Benefits of Dates

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Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Dr. Damanjit Duggal