What are chia seeds? Why to eat, how much it costs and where to get it

What is Chia seed?

Chia seeds or chia seeds are the seeds of the Salvia Hispanica plant that grows in the desert. The original birthplace of this very useful seed is Central America and there is evidence that this seed was included in the diet of the ancient indigenous Aztec people there. The ancient Maya and Aztecs valued chia seeds more than gold. They believed it would give them strength and courage. Chia seeds thrive in all climates and are less susceptible to insect attack. Chia seeds are white and black in color and are as small as sesame seeds. It should be noted here that there is a misconception about chia seeds and tokma. Many people mistake tokma for chia seeds. Chia seed is smaller in size than Tokma, English name of Tokma is Basil seed.

Chia seed consumption rules, nutritional value and benefits: 

Chia seed is a nutritious food. It has 5 times more calcium than milk, 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 3 times more iron than spinach, twice as much potassium as bananas, 3 times more protein than chicken eggs, 8 times more omega-3 than salmon. A type of tree called chia grows in the desert regions of Central America and Mexico. Chia seeds are the seeds of this small plant of the mint family. White, black and brown chia seeds are very small in size, much like sesame seeds. Chia seeds can swell up to 12 times when soaked in water.

Chia seeds have been satisfying human appetites since ancient times. There is evidence that chia seed foods were popular during the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. Chia seeds have been used for cosmetic purposes in addition to appetite suppressants. It was believed to have many medicinal properties by the Aztec and Mayan tribes. That's why chia seed food was popular among them for common ailments.

Nutritional value of chia seeds:

Nutritionists love to call chia seeds a superfood. Because it contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants called quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Chia seed is a nutritious food. It has 5 times more calcium than milk, 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 3 times more iron than spinach, twice as much potassium as bananas, 3 times more protein than chicken eggs, 8 times more omega-3 than salmon. This nutritious food can be eaten seven days a week. However, playing it for 3-4 days is beneficial to the body.

Benefits of eating chia seeds:

Nutritionists say the omega-3 in chia seeds helps reduce the risk of heart disease and lowers harmful cholesterol. Two teaspoons of chia seeds a day gives the body energy and increases performance.

Rich in antioxidants, chia seeds boost the immune system. It helps in weight loss by improving the metabolic system. It reduces the risk of diabetes as it keeps the flow of sugar in the blood normal.

Chia seeds are great for bone health. Because it contains a lot of calcium. Chia seeds work to keep the colon clean, reducing the risk of colon cancer. Chia seeds flush out toxins from the body. Eliminates the problem of acidity.

Doctors believe that chia seeds also help in better sleep. That's all! Reduces knee and joint pain. Keeps skin, hair and nails beautiful.

Rules for eating chia seeds:

Chia seed is a tasteless and odorless food. It doesn't even need to be cooked to eat it. Chia seeds can be easily soaked in water and eaten. If you want, you can mix it with oats, pudding, juice, smoothie, etc. Apart from this, one can spread it on yogurt, cereals, cooked vegetables or salads. Soak chia seeds in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes. Drink the drink with chia seeds in the morning on an empty stomach or at night before going to bed.

If you want, you can make a smoothie and eat it. The superfood can be made into a smoothie with sour yogurt, chia seeds and cucumber and eaten as an afternoon snack.

Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons of chia seeds with 2 cups of coconut water and your favorite fruit juice. You can also add water if necessary. Keep it for 20 to 30 minutes and eat it.