What if we told you there was one secret ingredient that could load you up with ample healthy nutrients, and aid your weight loss plan too? And no, we’re not talking about a mean-green vegetable with a nasty taste. We’re talking about an ancient Aztec super seed that goes by the name of chia seeds. These pinhead-sized seeds have grown very popular in the last decade, and have been the talk of the town among people wanting to lose a few pounds.
So now that we have your attention, you must know that chia seeds and sabja seeds are not the same! They’re both similar in colour and swell up when soaked in liquid, but deliver entirely different results. So get the right seeds and add a teaspoon of them to your morning oatmeal, smoothie or even your salads and soups to make them healthier and weight-loss friendly. Here’s why.
Curbs your appetite: Since they swell up and absorb the liquid they’ve been soaked in, they make you feel very fuller when you eat them. If you’re on a diet and don’t wish to snack, just stir a teaspoon of chia seeds into a glass of water and drink up. This should sustain you for a few hours and curb your hunger.
It takes longer to digest: Chia seeds stick around for longer in your stomach as they aren’t easy to digest. This means you’ll be left feeling full for a longer time once you consume them.
Keeps you energetic: Chia seeds have been touted to be a superseed, because of the high-nutrient content in them. These nutrients keep your body well-nourished and energetic, thus encouraging you to be more active.
High-fibre benefits: These seeds contain soluble fibre, which dulls your appetite and prevents bloating. Eating about 30 grams of chia seeds a day can provide almost 50 per cent of your daily fibre needs.
Protein benefits: Chia seeds contain a lot of good quality protein. This makes it a good source for vegetarians who do not eat animal sources of protein. Eating foods like chia seeds with high amounts of this nutrient has shown to reduce obsessive thoughts about food and the desire for snacking too.
Apart from this, chia seeds are also loaded with antioxidants, calcium and healthy fats that boost your overall health and diet. So go ahead, and add a generous serving of these super seeds to your meals.
Image courtesy: Shutterstock*
More On >> Weight Loss
