Chia seeds: a complete food

    Recent research confirms the health benefits of chia seeds. Noted for its high content of healthy oils, but is also a source of other nutrients important for health as antioxidants, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fiber. We can say that the seeds of this plant are a superfood, ie, a complete food. So today, these seeds are consumed as food supplement worldwide.

      • 700% more Omega-3 than Atlantic salmon
      • 100% more fiber than any cereal leaves
      • 800% more phosphorus than whole milk
      • 500% more absorbable calcium than milk
      • 1400% more magnesium than broccoli
      • 100% more potassium than bananas
      • 200% more iron than spinach
      • 300% more selenium than flax
      • It has a satiating effect
      • It has more antioxidants than blueberries
      • Provides all essential amino acids
      • Is the plant with higher content of Omega-3

Source of Essential Fatty Acids

    Chia seeds represent the vegetable source with the highest concentration of Omega 3. They have a 33% oil, which the alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3) represents 62% and linoleic (omega 6) 20%. Chia is the crop with the highest percentage of essential fatty acids (EFAs) having 82% of its lipids with that feature.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are referred to a group of fatty acids that the body can not manufacture and that must be ingested through food or supplements. Differ from non-essential (saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids) in which the latter can be obtained from other nutrients.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) have very important functions in the body, help prevent cardiovascular disease, normalize high blood pressure, to maintain the flexibility of cell membranes, reduce cholesterol, protect the heart, improve health nervous and immune system, etc.

Graphic AGE

Source of Antioxidants

    In addition to essential fatty acids, Chia seeds have a significant amount of antioxidants, especially flavonoids. Its rich in antioxidants allows oil and flour Chia are kept for long periods without becoming rancid, so the Mayas stored these products without any preservatives. The most important antioxidants that can be found in these seeds are chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, kaempferol, quercetin, beta carotene (vitamin E) and tocopherol (vitamin E).

Antioxidants provide many benefits to the body; its main function is to eliminate free radicals produced as a result of cellular oxidation. Limited and controlled number of these elements is beneficial for the body, for their role in the body within the immune system, since they are able to eliminate pathogens. When the number of free radicals increases becomes unstable and produces negative results. Thus, for example, has seen the relationship between these molecules and certain degenerative diseases of, as alterations of the circulatory system, nervous system and other serious illness or premature aging. These negative results occur because free radicals alter the DNA of cells, preventing cell renewal or altering its normal operation.

 
Source of Protein and Amino Acids

    Amino acids are small molecules whose binding proteins form, therefore, we can say that proteins are composed of chains of amino acids. In humans, some amino acids are synthesized by the body while others must be ingested through food. All amino acids that can be synthesized by the body are called non-essential amino acids, while those to be obtained from external sources are called essential amino acids. Chia contains no gluten.

Because of its high protein content, Chia seed helps build and regenerate muscles and tissues. Ideal for athletes and growth stages.

Chia seeds contain 23% protein and amino acid composition of the following are present:

Essential amino acids

Phenylalanine

Methionine

Histidine

Tryptophan

Threonine

Leucine

Isoleucine

Lysine

Valine

Nonessential amino acids

Alanine

Aspartic acid

Glycine

Serina

Glutamic acid

Arginine

Tyrosine

Cysteine

Glutamine

Proline

Source of B Vitamins and Minerals

    Chia seed is a good source of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B8), vitamin E and vitamin A. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, selenium, boron and copper . Another advantage is the very low sodium content that has this seed.

Fiber SiluetaFuente

    Chia seed is a fantastic source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Contains about 30 grams of fiber per 100 grams.
Soluble fiber is soluble in water; when mixed with water forms a gel-like substance. Soluble fiber has many benefits, including regulating blood sugar levels and helps reduce cholesterol.
Insoluble fiber does not absorb water or dissolved in water. Passes through the digestive system and offers many benefits to intestinal health, favoring the regulation of intestinal transit and development of beneficial bacteria.

Diets high in fiber can help control obesity because they provide fewer calories in the same volume of food; further facilitate such diets ingesting less food because they prolong the time spent chewing by volume and help to produce the feeling of satiety more quickly; Also, diets rich in fiber trap some of the sugars and fats ingested, slowing its absorption, reducing the final energy input.