Thanks to the popularization of a healthy lifestyle and diet, many people's menus were replenished with useful exotic products. One of these is the seeds of Spanish sage or white chia. Traditionally, they are used for food in Mexico, Latin America, are distributed in the south-west of the United States, but over the past few years have become available in Europe.
Chia seeds - useful properties and contraindications
Spanish sage was actively used by healers of ancient cultures, especially the Aztecs. The leaves and stems of the grass were considered unfit for consumption or for treatment. With the help of plant roots, the Aztecs fought with inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract and lung cancer (presumably). The most used part of white chia is the seeds, the benefits and harm of these grains have been studied since the 16th century. Modern research confirms the value of this product as a biologically active supplement to the daily diet.
Chia seeds - useful properties
The unique qualities of the grains described are due to their chemical composition. The seeds of Spanish sage contain from 32 to 39% of vegetable fat. This indicator is 3-10 times higher than its concentration in other products. Chia seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially Omega-3, the amount of which reaches 60-64%. Even in marine fish and algae, the volume of this substance is much smaller. 100 g of the examined grains correspond to almost 1 kg of salmon according to the content of Omega-3.
Vegetable fiber is one more item on the list than the seeds of chia are useful. In the 2-nd century. spoons of the product is present 1/3 of the daily rate of its consumption for an adult. Natural fiber facilitates the work of the digestive system and the evacuation of the contents of the intestine. It quickly quenches the hunger and long maintains a sense of satiety, contributes to the normalization of metabolism.
There are other valuable ingredients that are included in chia seeds, the benefits of the following substances are proved by laboratory tests:
- calcium;
- antioxidants;
- potassium;
- iron;
- magnesium;
- protein;
- vitamins A, C and E;
- phosphorus;
- quercetin;
- manganese;
- caffeic, chlorogenic acids;
- flavonol.
Due to the presented composition, chia seeds possess such unique properties:
- decrease in cholesterol and sugar in the blood;
- correction of blood pressure;
- prevention of atherosclerosis ;
- decrease in body weight;
- relief of digestion and defecation;
- strengthening immunity;
- protection of liver cells;
- the prevention of oncological pathologies;
- replenishment of deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
- relief of anemia ;
- normalization of hormonal and water-salt balance;
- detoxification of the body ;
- improvement of metabolism;
- increase physical stamina;
- rejuvenation of cells and others.
Chia seeds - contraindications
This product produces pronounced effects on the body, so some people can not use it. Chia seeds do not carry harm except in the following cases:
- hypotension;
- taking any anticoagulants;
- diarrhea;
- food poisoning;
- propensity to bloating and flatulence;
- prostate cancer;
- allergy to sesame and mustard;
- individual intolerance of any component of chia seeds;
- pregnancy;
- breast-feeding;
- a parallel intake of hypoglycemic drugs;
- very advanced age.
Chia seeds - recipes
The use of grains of Spanish sage depends on the purpose of their application. Before taking chia seeds, it is important to familiarize yourself with the chemical properties and contraindications of the product, its side effects. It is advisable to consult a doctor, especially if there is a tendency to allergic reactions to mustard grains and sesame seeds.
Chia seeds for weight loss
A feature of the cellulose, which is part of the product in question, is the ability to absorb a large amount of moisture. This determines the effect that the chia seeds produce, the properties of the absorbent lead to a significant increase in the fibers in the volume. They fill the stomach, and there is a long feeling of saturation without consuming excess calories. In parallel, the grains contain all the necessary nutrients to provide the body with energy and not to provoke the burning of muscle tissue.
The optimal way how to take chia seeds for weight loss , is to use the grain in its pure form (1-2 tablespoons a day). Drink the product with clean water. Seeds can be added to any dish, because they have a neutral taste and crunch pleasantly, especially in muesli, porridges and salads. Vegetarians and vegans use the product in the ground form for baking, the powder from the grains of the Spanish shuffle perfectly replaces the eggs.
Chia seeds from constipation
Vegetative fibers in the described means help to facilitate defecation and soften the stool masses. Chia seeds for the intestine act as a stimulant of peristalsis. For prevention and therapy of regular constipation, it is recommended to eat 1-2 tablespoons. spoons of seeds a day, washing them with water. The consumption of liquid is important to increase to 1.5-2 liters per day.
Recipe for severe constipation
Ingredients :
- chia seeds - 10 g;
- water - 1 l;
- dried dates - 6-7 pieces.
Preparation, application
- Pour the grains with water and shake thoroughly.
- Insist means 20 minutes.
- Drink the entire volume of liquid in the morning.
- Repeat the procedure after 15 hours.
- In the evening, eat dates.
Chia seeds from diabetes mellitus
The product under consideration helps to stabilize the concentration of glucose and prevents jumps in blood sugar levels. Chia seeds against diabetes are effective only in the complex treatment. Use them instead of pharmacological agents can not.
Chia seeds - use in diabetes:
- There are 1-1.5 st. spoons a day, washing down with a glass of clean water.
- To add in ready dishes.
- Use ground grain for baking.
- Mix with drinks (juices, smoothies, kissels and others).
Chia Cholesterol Seeds
To normalize the concentration of lipids in the body, you can use all the above options for using the product. Spanish sage chia contributes not only to lower cholesterol, but also to the purification of blood vessels. Grains prevent the development of atherosclerosis and resolve plaques on the walls of the arteries. Specialists in this case are advised to use chia seeds as an additive to basic foods. The seeds must be ground beforehand, and poured into 0,5-1 tsp in porridges, salads, soups, yoghurts and other dishes.
Chia Seeds Against Cancer
The presence of antioxidants in the described grains presumably helps to prevent some oncological diseases. Doctors recommend that women take as prevention chaya seeds from breast cancer. Alpha-linoleic acid, contained in the presented product, protects cells from mutations and prevents the growth of the tumor.
Seeds of chia plant with already progressing oncological pathologies can not be used as a remedy. Grain of Spanish sage is allowed only for:
- general strengthening of the body;
- replenishment of the deficit of micro- and macroelements, vitamins;
- support of immunity;
- replenishment of energy;
- normalization of metabolism.
How to eat chia seeds?
Even a perfectly healthy person is useful to enrich the diet with the product considered. Any of the above methods, like using chia seeds, will do, but the maximum positive effect is achieved when they are taken in pure form with water. For gourmets it is better to add grains to baked goods and ready meals. There are several interesting and delicious recipes for how to prepare chia seeds.
Pudding
Ingredients :
- coconut milk - 1 glass;
- mango - 40 g;
- Chia grain - 0.25 cup;
- honey - 0.5 tbsp. spoons;
- almonds - 1 tbsp. a spoon.
Preparation
- Shake honey with coconut milk.
- Mix with chia seeds.
- Put the mass in the refrigerator overnight.
- Cut the mango into small cubes.
- Chop the almonds.
- Garnish with pudding nuts and mangoes.
Smoothies
Ingredients :
- any frozen berries - 1 glass;
- water - 0.5 cup;
- pomegranate juice - 0.5 cup;
- seeds of Spanish sage (chia) - 0.5 tbsp. spoons;
- honey, sugar - to taste.
Preparation
- Mix all ingredients with a blender until smooth.
- Add honey and sugar if desired.
- Decorate smoothies with whole chia seeds.