Chia seeds are popular among health-conscious people who lead an active lifestyle. These small grains are of great interest due to a wide range of useful qualities. Around them a lot of talk. So what are their benefits, how to apply them to achieve maximum effect?
In appearance, the seeds are like a small bean in millimeter diameter and several color shades: white, gray, black. On some varieties, a relief pattern is found, like in legumes. Regardless of the shade, they have a similar composition.
The Chia plant is an annual, native to Central America, from the Sage family. Up to a meter high. Leaves, oblong, blooms with crimson or white flowers.
Beneficial features
When used at home, do not forget about the saturation of the body with water, which helps to fully reveal their properties. The course of admission lasts a month, after which you need to take a break. In addition to a separate positive effect on the male, female and children's body, the following was revealed:
- Promotes a quick and lasting feeling of fullness.
- Daily intake of no more than two teaspoons helps to normalize blood pressure and improve the functioning of cardiac activity.
- Strengthens bones and teeth thanks to a large amount of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.
- Lowers cholesterol.
- Restores hormonal balance.
- Prevents the appearance of atherosclerosis.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties and enhances immunity.
For women
It is difficult to list briefly the benefits for the female body. During the period pregnancy planning, the drug affects the growth of the endometrium, normalizes the functioning of the ovaries. This has a beneficial effect on the fertilization process. In addition, it regulates the cycle of menstruation, reducing pain syndromes.
During pregnancy, it positively affects the mother’s body and the development of the baby, the formation of vital organs.
It is noted that during lactation, the fat content of milk increases. But after giving birth, the female body, as never before, needs vitamins and minerals. Seeds have a beneficial effect on the growth and condition of hair and nails. Restore hormonal balance, prevent depression, stabilizing the psychological state.
Identified positive moments during menopause. Restore hormonal balance, relieve stress.
In cooking, they are used for cooking. Seed oil can be used to flavor a room and can be used in combination with other oils. Use in equal parts with flax seeds beneficial effect on the general condition.
For men
Based on scientific studies, a beneficial effect on the prostate gland has been identified, thereby preventing cancer. Saturating the body with microelements, increase endurance, which is especially true when playing sports and physical activity. Increases reproductive function, improving sperm quality.
For children
A growing child’s body needs natural vitamins and minerals. Chia is a source that makes up for their lack. Added to baby food, dairy products.
- Iron deficiency (anemia) is a frequent companion of a growing organism, which affects the general condition of the child.
- Eating seeds makes up for the lack of iron.
- It normalizes the endocrine system, improves metabolism.
- Provides the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Helps strengthen immunity.
- It has a positive effect on the formation of the skeleton, teeth.
Harm and contraindications
Serious contraindications were not identified, but taking into account individual factors, health can be harmed.
- A large amount of dietary fiber can cause excessive gas formation.
- Strongly absorb water. It is necessary to drink enough fluid in order not to get dehydrated.
- Do not combine with aspirin and anticoagulants.
- They can cause an allergic reaction, they should be taken with caution, especially during pregnancy and lactation. White seeds are less allergenic.
How and why chia is used in traditional medicine
Seeds are used for prevention and treatment in traditional medicine.
- With diabetes in combination with wild strawberries. Improve the condition of the patient, reducing the sugar content. Combine with a decoction of lingonberry or blueberry leaves. Used and vegetable collection: decoction of juniper, burdock root. Seeds (a teaspoon) are added to the broth, after swelling they are drunk.
- With constipation to normalize the digestive tract. It is recommended to take a teaspoon on an empty stomach with a glass of water. Have breakfast in a few hours.
- A daily intake of regular meals improves the musculoskeletal system.
The use of seeds in cosmetology
Due to the presence of a large number of beneficial components, seeds are widely used in cosmetology.
- The scrub uses ground grains.
- Some cosmetics include seed oil, which has a tightening effect on the skin, tones and moisturizes.
- In the form of masks. Beauticians advise adding milled chia to the composition of masks from natural ingredients, depending on the type of skin. Grind the grains with yogurt and egg yolk. Apply, soak for half an hour. To cleanse the face and prevent acne: grind the seeds with chia oil and honey.
How to use chia seeds for weight loss
Due to its fast saturation and long-lasting satiety effect, it is widely used in weight loss programs. They are able to absorb and remove toxins from the body, but it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics and rules of administration in order to maximize the effect.
There are three ways to use:
- In its pure form, consuming large amounts of water. Recommended half an hour before meals. Reduce appetite, saturate, which helps to eat smaller portions of food.
- It is recommended to drink a vitamin smoothie smoothie on an empty stomach, and the next meal only after 3-4 hours.
- Adding to the composition of dishes.
How and what to cook with chia
The advantage of seeds is a neutral taste, which allows you to add them to various dishes.
- Cooking yogurt and jelly. Possessing a hydrophilic property, they are able to thicken liquid products, therefore they are widely used in the preparation of yoghurts, kissels from juices.
- Chia lemon water. Soak half a glass of seeds in 1.5 liters of water. Add a glass of lemon juice. After swelling, the drink is ready to drink. If desired, instead of water, pour mint infusion.
- Cereal Cookies. Make shortcrust pastry, add ground chia, cereal (oatmeal), flax seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds (to your taste).Form cookies, put on greased baking sheet, bake at 180 ° C until cooked.
- Vitamin smoothie. Soak the seeds in milk, beat after swelling in a blender with berries, banana or other fruits.
Video Recipes
Useful tips and interesting information.
Mention of Chia seeds goes back to antiquity. Records of them are recorded in the codex of Mendoza, which refers to the culture of the Aztecs. They were one of the main plants along with beans and corn, eaten. Served as a means of calculation. They were used in recipes for longevity. Women rubbed their skin, used as part of makeup paints - surprising with their grooming. Sage was so important among the Aztecs that the Spanish conquistadors, wanting to destroy this great civilization, systematically destroyed its crops.
In whatever form the seeds are used: in pure, in drinks or in the composition of any dish - if used correctly, they will have invaluable benefits to the body.
