Choose Your Healthy Seeds: Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds

CHOOSE YOUR HEALTHY SEEDS: CHIA SEEDS OR FLAX SEEDS

Dec 18, 2020

Seeds are a natural way of procuring best of health benefits for your body  

Chia Seeds :

• It is known as a modern-day superfood because of its strong nutritional profile as it provides us with fibre, protein, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B1, B2, B3, and zinc.

• Chia seeds have a high antioxidant content which helps to fight against ageing and cell damage.

• Chia seeds are one of the best sources of fibre. It is also a source of high-quality plant protein. The soluble fibre increases fullness and slows the absorption of food which leads to weight loss. The protein helps to reduce appetite and food intake that indirectly leads to successful weight loss results.

• They have a high omega-3 fatty acid content which is even more than that of a salmon. But chia seeds are known as a low-quality source of omega-3 when compared to any animal source, as they do not supply any DHA. They help to lower the risk factors of heart disease given its high fibre, omega-3 and protein nutrition profile. It has a good micronutrient content including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and protein that aids bone health.

• Chia seeds are easily available and can be added to our daily diet as they are bland in taste, therefore, can be mixed with water or added to smoothies, porridge, puddings or baked goods to enjoy their health benefits.

Flax Seeds : 

• One tablespoon of it consists of Protein, Carbs, Fibre, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B1, B6, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium. If you are a vegetarian, then these seeds are the best source of omega-3 fats for you.

• It consists of plant-based omega-3 fatty acid called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) that is proven to reduce inflammation, prevent cholesterol, reduce tumour growth and lower risk of heart diseases.

• Flax seeds are a good source of lignans that have the potential to lower the risk of cancer and improve our overall health as they have antioxidant and estrogen properties.

• They are a rich source of fibre as they contain both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre. So it not only helps to improve your digestive health but also promotes regular bowel movements. The soluble fibre helps to lower the cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels. The insoluble fibre helps to add bulk by binding more water to the stool and prevent constipation.

• They are proven to be beneficial for people with high blood pressure as they tend to have a natural ability to lower blood pressure. It has a good protein content and can be added to your diet as a source of plant-based protein that helps to improve immunity, lowers blood cholesterol levels, has anti-fungal properties and prevents tumours.

• It can be used by people suffering from type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. As it has a blood sugar lowering effect upon its consumption due to the presence of insoluble fibre which slows down the release of sugar into the blood.

• It is also a weight loss friendly food that can be used to control your appetite. 

With all the mentioned health benefits one should not forget to add any of the two seeds to your daily diet and enjoy their benefits.