Chia seeds in Australia are one of those foods that people either love or hate. The fact is, though, most people just aren’t familiar with them and don’t know how to use them in their cooking or what benefits they have for our health. Here’s a look at why you should start adding chia seeds in Australia to your diet today!
High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s are a type of fatty acid that can help reduce inflammation, which means chia seeds might be able to fight some diseases. Omega-3s also have been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve brain function. Chia seeds contain ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid—the same kind found in fish like salmon or mackerel. Because these seeds are so tiny, they need to be ground down before you can eat them; otherwise, they’ll pass through your body without being digested!
Full of Soluble Fiber
You might not think of chia seeds in Australia as a superfood, but they can be! Soluble fibre is one of the best kinds of fibre because it dissolves in water, which means it helps to slow down digestion and keep you full longer. That’s because soluble fibre absorbs water and turns into a gel that slows digestion down, making you feel fuller for longer periods of time. Besides being great for keeping hunger at bay, this type of fibre has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels by up to 20%, according to the study. Soluble fibre also helps prevent constipation by adding bulk and moisture to stools, so they pass through your digestive tract more easily (and with fewer issues).
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are important for your health because they help fight free radicals. Free radicals are chemical compounds that damage cells and can cause disease. Free radicals don’t occur naturally in food, but we’re exposed to them through pollution and cigarette smoke, among other things. When you eat antioxidant-rich foods like chia seeds (or supplements), the antioxidants neutralize free radicals before they can become a problem for your cells.
High in Protein
Chia seeds contain between 8 and 12 grams of protein per ounce, making them a great source of this essential nutrient. Protein is involved in building and repairing body tissues—including muscle, hair, skin, blood vessels, and internal organs—as well as producing hormones and enzymes that help keep you healthy. Chia seeds can be eaten whole or ground into a powder for baking (the latter is also used as an egg replacement).
Calcium and Bone Health
Calcium is an important nutrient for good bone health, and chia seeds are a great way to get it into your diet. A half-cup of chia seeds contains about 15% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for calcium, which means that if you eat three servings of chia seeds per day, one serving will provide 30% of your RDI. The benefits don’t stop there: Chia has been shown to be effective in treating osteoporosis as well as tooth decay and gum disease/gingivitis. In addition to providing calcium in moderate amounts (one serving provides 10% – 15% RDIs), chia also contains phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium—all essential nutrients involved with bone development and maintenance.
Conclusion
Chia seeds Australia is an easy way to add more plant-based protein and omega-3s into your diet. You can eat them plain or use them as an ingredient in smoothies, salads, or baked goods. For those who are looking for alternative sources of calcium and bone health, chia seeds have plenty of that too!
