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    • Doctors Share 6 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds — Best Life
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    Doctors Share 6 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds — Best Life

    Pabio Posted on

    Eat more superfoods is a simple way to strengthen your health with minimal effort. While no single food can provide all the vitamins and minerals you need, nutrient-dense ingredients have great benefits for a range of functions in your body. Chia seeds are one of those foods you’ll often hear doctors, dietitians, and nutritionists rave about, thanks to the many ways even a few spoonfuls can improve your health. But if you’re wondering what they can do for you when you add them to your daily routine, you’re definitely not alone. Read on to discover the six biggest health benefits you can expect when you eat more chia seeds.


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    1 | They can help with digestion.

    woman with hands on stomach representing digestive health

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    When Daryl GioffreDC, chiropractor, nutrition expert and founder of Alkamindwent viral for suggesting people drink water made from chia seeds and lemon juice (the “internal showerr”), he highlighted the digestive benefits of such a beverage.

    Chia seeds are high in fiber, making them beneficial for the digestive tract and overall gut health, and he noted at the time that the drink was an effective way to relieve constipation in particular.

    “Fiber is great for your digestive system, helps keep your bathroom trips regular, and feeds your body’s good gut bacteria,” Gioffre now explains. Better life.

    Lauren RamseyMD, MBA, Breast Cancer Surgeon, medical content creatornotes that two tablespoons of chia seeds contain about 40 percent of the recommended daily fiber intake. She adds that fiber aids digestion, promotes feelings of fullness after eating, helps control blood sugar absorption, regulates cholesterol levels, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.

    2 | They can improve brain function.

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    One of the most well-known benefits of chia seeds is that they are full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy polyunsaturated fats that perform various bodily functions.

    In particular, “chia seeds are a source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that promotes heart health, reduces inflammation, and helps with brain function,” says Ramsey. , who also founded BATa line of clothing that protects medical personnel against radiation.

    RELATED: Tomatoes Are the Healthiest Fruit in the World, According to the CDC: Here’s Why.

    3 | They could help reduce your risk of cancer.

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    Ramsey also notes that chia seeds contain many antioxidants, molecules that inhibit oxidation, which can ultimately cause cell damage.

    “Including antioxidants in your diet promotes overall health and may even reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer,” explains the oncologic surgeon. Better life.

    She adds that reducing inflammation and oxidative stress – two of the factors that reduce cancer risk – has another benefit. By protecting your cells, these antioxidants could also slow the effects of aging.

    4 | They are good for bone health.

    woman on tennis court holding knee

    Consuming more chia seeds also means increasing your intake of several essential minerals, says Ramsey.

    “Chia seeds are a good source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. These minerals support bone density, muscle function and cellular processes,” she notes.

    Resham UttamchandaniMD, a double certified doctor and weight loss expert, adds that you can add improved nerve function and improved energy production to the list of benefits associated with these minerals.

    “With more calcium per ounce than milk, chia seeds offer a valuable source of non-dairy calcium for those who avoid dairy, making them an ideal choice for anyone concerned about bone and bone health. overall vitality,” she explains. Better life.

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    5 | They can improve muscle function.

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    According to the Cleveland ClinicReplacing meat with more plant-based protein sources can have a major effect on your overall health. Ramsey says chia seeds are an “excellent” source of plant-based protein, containing about five grams of protein in each two-tablespoon serving.

    “Chia seeds contain a good balance of essential amino acids, making them a complete source of protein, particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans,” explains the surgeon. “Protein contributes to muscle repair, growth, and overall metabolic health.”

    6 | They can help you get a good night’s sleep.

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    The magnesium found in chia seeds might also help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

    “Chia seeds are loaded with magnesium, the brain’s number one neuroprotectant,” explains Gioffre. “Magnesium is also essential for a good night’s sleep. It also calms your nervous system, relaxes your muscles, and maintains your body’s levels of GABA, the neurotransmitters responsible for “turning off” arousal.

    Here’s how to eat them.

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    Chia seeds can be a simple addition to your diet, requiring little work to prepare them for consumption. You can sprinkle them on oatmeal, make chia seed pudding, add them to smoothies and smoothie bowls, use them as a topping on soups and salads, or drink them in water. chia seeds by adding a quarter cup of chia seeds for every cup of water. ,

    Whichever method you choose, Gioffre says it’s always a good idea to soak your chia seeds in water or other liquid first.

    “When chia seeds are soaked, they form a gel-like consistency, absorbing up to 27 times their weight, helping to eliminate toxins that cause inflammation and keeping you feeling full longer, which can curb the sugar cravings,” he says.

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