Chia seeds, Salvia hispanica L., is an annual herbaceous plant in the Family Lamiaceae that grows in subtropical climates. It is native to Mexico. The plant can reach two meters in height. It has flowers in violet tones that are hermaphrodite and from which the seeds are obtained. Chia seeds are about 2 millimeters long, oval with shades ranging from brown to dark grey.
It is known that in areas of Mexico they were cultivated and consumed 3,500 years ago and have traditionally been used in American cultures such as the Maya or Aztecs.
Let's see what the chia is good for.
Nutritional and medicinal properties of chia seeds
Chia seeds have soluble fiber (mucilages), antioxidant-owned vitamins such as Vitamin E, and in lesser amount vitamins A and C, also contains B9 or folic acid, B1 or thiamine and B3 or niacin, has plant protein (contains all essential amino acids), phytosterols, flavonoids, minerals such as calcium, boron, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, carbohydrates and Omega 3 fatty acids.
All these components give chia seed satiating, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, digestive, antithrombotic, hypoglycaemic, antiviral, laxative, hypocholesterolemia, immunostimulant, antioxidant properties.
What are chia seeds good for? Benefits of consuming them
They are very satiating, keeping us full for longer and delaying the onset of hunge
r Chia seeds are beneficial in the diet to lose weight R
egulate blood sugar Keep
our skin and hair in good health Decrease inflamm
ation Chia seeds care f
or our cardiovascular system Combat free radicals H
elp us control blood pres
sure Care for our intestinal flora Th
ey are highly recommended for d
igestive disorders Chia improves digestions
for people with anemia Pre
vent osteoporosis Stimulates the pro
per functioning of the
immune system Help control appetite Care and
strengthen blood vessels
Avoid constipation by improving int
estinal transit They are an excellent source of ene
rgy Improve cases of varicose v
eins and delay their appearance Because their
folic acid content are beneficial during pregnancy and lactation Impro
ve cognitive activity They
are highly recommended for athletes , as they promote muscle development
Source: ecoagricultor