The pros and cons of Chia seeds

1. Do you know the Chia seeds? A so-called superfood that came over from America a few years ago. It is now easy to say â € œâ € there is such a great product again, it will all be â € â € I can imagine this reaction, but it is still wise to dwell on what chia seeds can do for your body.

1. I will list the benefits for your health, but at the same time want to warn you about possible side effects in combination with existing drugs.

1. Below the content of the article 1: Where does Chia seed come from? 2: Chia seeds and your health 3: Blood sugar level 4: Building your muscles 5: Calcium absorption 6: Omega 3 7: Losing weight 8: Possible side effects

Where does Chia seed come from?

1. Chia seed is a product of the Chia plant, in Latin the Salvia Hispanica. This is related to the mint plant known to us, only this version is found in Guatemala and in the south and central Mexico. With regard to the Chia seeds, it is ultimately about the flower of the Chia plant. This flower contains the well-known Chia seeds, which resemble poppy seeds in color and shape.

1. It was the Aztecs and Mayaâ € ™ s who grew the Chia plants in the early days, and therefore also ate the Chia seeds for their healthy properties. During that period, the seeds were mainly eaten because the seeds give the body a real energy boost, which increases stamina. Excavations have shown that warriors who had to go on long journeys, usually running, always had a supply of Chia seeds with them for much-needed energy.

1. The Chia seeds have also become increasingly popular in the Netherlands for a number of years. Let's take a look at what Chia seeds can contribute to your health.

2. Chia seeds have also become increasingly popular in the Netherlands for a number of years. Let's see what Chia seeds can contribute to your health.

Chia seeds and your health

1. If we are to believe the ancient Aztecs and Maya, there are many health benefits to be attributed to the Chia seeds. And this is indeed true. Various studies (1) have shown that Chia seeds contain impressive amounts of fiber, potassium, iron, selenium, protein, calcium, Omega-3, antioxidants, boron, folic acid and magnesium. According to the medical scientists, this combination of substances is especially suitable for women of 40 years and older, because this group is often deficient in exactly those important nutrients.

2. If we are to believe the ancient Aztecs and Maya, there are many health benefits to be attributed to the Chia seeds. And this is indeed true. Various studies (1) have shown that Chia seeds contain impressive amounts of fiber, potassium, iron, selenium, protein, calcium, Omega-3, antioxidants, boron, folic acid and magnesium. According to medical scientists, this combination of substances is especially suitable for women aged 40 and over, because this group is often deficient in precisely those important nutrients.

1. So it is not only the amount of nutrients in the Chia seeds, but also the unique combination thereof. Let's take a look at what all these healthy nutrients can do for your body:

Blood sugar level

1. Chia seeds are able to significantly slow down the transformation of carbohydrates into glucose. This allows you to better balance the blood sugar level, which in turn means that less insulin needs to be produced to deal with the peaks in your blood sugar. Too many spikes in your blood sugar, together with the spikes in your insulin, can ultimately be the cause of type 2 diabetes, among other things.

2. Chia seeds are able to significantly slow down the transformation of carbohydrates into glucose. This allows you to better balance the blood sugar level, which in turn means that less insulin needs to be produced to deal with the peaks in your blood sugar level. Too many spikes in your blood sugar, together with the spikes in your insulin, can ultimately be the cause of type 2 diabetes, among other things.

1. But a blood sugar level that is in balance is also important to better balance your hormone system, which is of course an important point for menopausal women.

Building your muscles

1. What many people don't know is the fact that muscles are not only good for strength, but also for your figure. This is because muscles use calories, even when they are at rest. That should sound like music to your ears! To build muscle, you have to exercise, of course, but you also need the right nutrients to strengthen and maintain the muscles.

1. Chia seeds provide these nutrients in the form of proteins.

Calcium absorption

1. In the past, we always had to drink milk for much-needed calcium. That story now turns out to be a bit more nuanced, because milk actually removes calcium from your bones. Chia seeds can help you with this, because one of the great properties of these seeds is the fact that it actually promotes the absorption of calcium by your body.

1. This is important, because as the years start to count, it becomes more and more important to take good care of your bones to avoid later suffering from bone loss or osteoporosis.

Omega-3

1. Of course we all know Omega-3, the healthy unsaturated fatty acid which has a strong anti-inflammatory effect for your body, which can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 is also very good for keeping your hormone levels in balance.

1. Another plus, especially for menopausal women. In addition, Omega-3 also works wonders for your brain. There are probably times when your head does not feel quite well, when you feel like you have a bale of cotton wool in your head. Soak some Chia seeds in a glass of water and drink it. Then another glass of pure water, and you will find that you can think a lot more clearly.

1. Drinking enough water is always good for your body, and especially for your ability to concentrate, but with the nutrients that the Chia seeds can offer you, this just goes a step further.

Losing weight with Chia seeds

1. Chia seeds can also be used if you want to lose some extra pounds. Chia seeds have the ability to absorb a lot of water. So if you regularly incorporate Chia seeds into your food and / or drink, you will have a â € fullâ € ™ feeling in your stomach much faster. In addition, the Chia seeds are completely filled with healthy fiber, which ensures optimal digestion and bowel movements. This can also help with weight loss.

1. I just want to make an important comment about this: Despite these logical inferences, it has never (yet) been scientifically proven that Chia seeds would help with weight loss. On the other hand, of course it doesn't hurt to try it.

NOTE: Possible side effects

1. Even though it all sounds quite harmless, there can be side effects when using Chia seeds. When using all these kinds of â € superfoodsâ € ™ you must always listen to your body. Your body is and will always be the best advisor. Due to the large amount of fiber in the Chia seeds, you can suffer from flatulence, nausea, diarrhea and bloating. But it is precisely those fibers that are healthy for you.

1. If you experience the aforementioned side effects while using Chia seeds, build it up slowly. This way, your body can get used to it, and after a few weeks you will be able to take full advantage of the fiber's digestive function. It is important to drink enough water: not only good for your whole body, but also for a healthy digestion and bowel movements.

1. In theory, Chia seeds can also induce allergic reactions. That is, if you are sensitive to it. So always listen to your body and do something with it.

1. It is very important to know that Chia seeds have a blood pressure lowering (ie blood thinning) effect. That is why it is definitely not wise to use Chia seeds if you have already received diuretic, antihypertensive and / or blood-thinning drugs from your doctor.

1. You can of course discuss with your attending physician whether you can phase out the medicines and use the Chia seeds as natural medicine. No doubt this will be better for your body than all those chemical drugs.

The use of Chia seeds

1. Like all kinds of other seeds and unroasted nuts, Chia seeds are coated with enzymes as a shell. This layer is very difficult to digest in your intestines. Due to this poor digestion you can suffer from all kinds of complaints with your intestines. You can avoid this problem relatively easily if you soak the Chia seeds in water first.

1. The enzymes then dissolve in the water, so that the Chia seeds are easier to digest. After soaking in water, a kind of gel-like substance is formed. You can use these in your yoghurt with muesli, in a smoothie and even as a dressing for a tasty salad.

1. Chia seeds are available at better health food stores. My personal preference is for purely organic Chia seeds, but that's a personal choice.

Finally + video

1. We can easily group chia seeds into the so-called â € ˜superfoodsâ € ™ list. But it is important to realize that this type of food should not be seen as a supplement to your diet if you only eat junk food. So you can't use it to make up for all bad eating habits.

1. Eating Superfoods, including eating Chia seeds, is only useful as a supplement to a healthy and varied diet. And I clearly say 'supplement', because you should never overdo it with chia seeds. Alternate it regularly with other healthy foods. Only then will you have the maximum effect of this ancient discovery of the Aztecs and Mayaâ € ™ s. [!/ Vc_column_text] [!vc_toggle title = "Sources:" open = "false"] [!/ vc_toggle] [!/ vc_column] [!/ vc_row] ] [!vc_row] [!vc_column width = "1/1"] [!/ vc_column] [!/ vc_row]