Are you feeling a little blue? Do you need a happiness jolt? Well, we’re here to help. Chia seeds are small and delicious and versatile to almost every meal. Part of the mint family, this little flower is a super food for a reason. So if you want to know why this plant can almost instantly make you feel fabulous, keep reading!
1. What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds have become one of the widest known superfoods, loaded with nutrients which can benefit both your body and brain. It aids weight loss, is a great egg replacer for vegans and, is filled with antioxidants. But one of the lesser-known benefits of chia seeds is its ability to give you that much-needed happiness boost. Originally grown in Mexico, these seeds were known for their medicinal value, they were even used as currency!
2. Happiness booster
So, what makes this plant such a serotonin savior? The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds can change the way you think by altering the brain’s signals. It is believed to help battle depression and anxiety but also our memory. Our brains need good fats to help constantly grow and be healthy. Of all the body parts, it’s the brain that needs these healthy fats the most. Our brains are especially sensitive to our omega-3 levels, that any form of deficiency can lead to memory loss and aging, but also depression and anxiety! Omega-3 acids can change the form of the membranes that surround the cells in the brain and body thus helping them with their ability to function.
Whilst that extra slice of pizza is delicious and makes you feel good in the moment, essential fatty acids (EFA) will make you feel good for longer! Chia seeds contain more than thirty percent EFA’s, meaning they are the superior choice for a happiness hit, more so than other foods such as salmon and walnuts. So if you are feeling down and that’s stopping you from accomplishing your life goals, try having four tablespoons of chia seeds a day. Do this by enjoying a chia seed pudding or in your morning smoothie, and watch your mood improve instantly.
3. Other benefits
However, Chia seeds are not just good for your brain, this miracle plant is rich in fiber, protein, and minerals. They can aid a perfect workout and diet which can lead to some amazing weight loss.
4. A nutritional gem
Now I know I write a lot of articles specifying different super foods that are filled with hoards of nutrients. Nutrients are so important to both your health but also appearance. If you are feeding your body with healthy foods, with healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins, your hair is going to be stronger, thicker and more glossy. Your skin will glow and your nails will be strong. It’s your insides way of thanking you, by rewarding you with amazing skin. Chia seeds are naturally high in calcium, magnesium, and protein, meaning it will help your bones to be stronger too!
5. Energy and weight loss
What if I said to you, you could enjoy all the energy levels in a sports drink but without all that sugar? Chia seeds can enhance your workout the same way sports drinks do, so you can work out for ninety minutes pumped, knowing you’re doing so in a completely natural and healthy way.
By adding just a serving of chia seeds to your diet a day, you can help burn any excess belly fat and give your metabolism that extra boost. Studies show that by consuming this extra portion of chia seed can help to reduce your amount of visceral fat. Having too much visceral fat can lead to glucose intolerance type 2 diabetes. This belly fat tissue can even affect your metabolism! The amount of protein in this plant also makes it great for gaining muscle and losing the extra fat.
So why not try some chia pudding or even add some to your favorite brunch. Let us know in the comments what you add chia seeds too.
