No products in the cart.
super food guide
Chia seed: The complete guide
24
Jun
Jun
Don't know which products to eat to reach your health goals?
Find out in less than a minute by making your personalized diagnosis.
Chia is a plant of the sage family. Native to Latin America, it is cultivated for its seeds, which have many virtues. They have become very popular in recent years. So, is it a fad or a benefit of nature?
Their promise? To give you strength, energy and vitality. Chia seeds stimulate your body and give you a daily boost. Small and colourful, these miracle seeds change colour depending on the variety. Brown or pale, we tell you all about the benefits of chia seeds.
Quick Navigation
• The benefits of chia seeds
• Our delicious recipes
• Contraindications
• Experts’ opinion
• Where to buy it?
• Our delicious recipes
• Contraindications
• Experts’ opinion
• Where to buy it?
Chia seeds: Benefits
Chia seeds for weight loss
As summer approaches, chia seeds are your ally! Chia seeds are low in calories and have a low glycaemic index (GI), making them a real asset for slimming.
Rich in protein and dietary fiber, chia seeds are recommended for weight loss. They regulate the appetite, promote the satiety effect and guarantee an appetite suppressant effect. (The end of snacking has come!)
Chia seeds also represent a considerable contribution of good fats, in particular omega 3 and omega 6.
For athletes
The consumption of these miracle seeds boosts the body before, during and after exercise! Its protein intake increases physical abilities and improves endurance and performance but not only! Proteins promote recovery, muscle development and fat loss.
To maximize their effects (and your performance), you can combine them with a few small rounds of spirulina.
(Want to know more? Check out our article: https://www.vegalia.fr/spiruline-musculation-sport/)
For digestion
Rich in dietary fiber (34g per 100g), chia seeds promote digestion and improve your intestinal health. In addition with psyllium or chlorella, indicated to relieve digestive disorders.
For healthy bones
Chia seeds are a very important source of calcium (they contain more calcium than milk!).
They promote healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis. Chia seeds are a good alternative in case of lactose intolerance. They strengthen the bones and are recommended for recovery after an injury.
Beneficial for the cardiovascular system
Chia seeds are very rich in omega 3, and in particular in alpha-linolenic acids, a fatty acid essential for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Indeed, these famous seeds contain 17.8g/100g, which is much more than some fatty fish such as smoked mackerel (0.83g / 100g) or smoked salmon (0.24g / 100g).
Chia seeds are therefore beneficial for the cardiovascular system. They facilitate exchanges between the brain’s neurotransmitters, regulate blood pressure (studies show this!) and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Regulation of sleep
Chia seeds contain what is known as tryptophan. But what is this? This amino acid plays an essential role in increasing the levels of melatonin and serotonin: two hormones that contribute to a good night’s sleep.
Chia seeds for face, body and hair
Rich in vitamin E and zinc, chia seed is a powerful antioxidant that moisturizes and repairs the skin. It restores elasticity and radiance and has an anti-aging and anti-blemish effect, against wrinkles, dark circles and redness. It promotes cell regeneration, collagen production, healing and prevents the risks associated with sun exposure.
Chia seeds are also used as a regenerative, anti-hair loss and anti-brittle hair treatment. They stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss (perfect for dry and damaged hair). They can also be used as a gel, obtained after soaking the seeds, or as chia oil, extracted after pressing.
Super food and super cosmetics, what more could you ask for?
Chia seeds: Recipe
Do you want to take advantage of the countless virtues of this superfood? That’s good, we’ll give you some tips!
Real asset of the chia seed: It can be consumed both sweet and salty!
A vitamin smoothie
- 200g raspberries
- 1 banana
- 200ml milk
- 1 tsp chia seeds (soaked in 2 tbsp water)
A colorful salad
- 100g of spinach shoots
- 2 tomatoes
- 100g of olives
- 1 courgette
- 100g feta cheese
- 2 tbsp of chia seeds
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
A gourmet egg-free and gluten-free cake
- 150 g of dark pastry chocolate
- 60 g of hazelnuts (previously crushed)
- 150 g of rice flour (or other gluten-free flours)
- 2 tbsps of chia seeds
- 50 cl of vegetable milk
- 50 g of agave syrup
- 100 g of butter
Preparation time: 15 min
Cooking time: 30min in the oven at 180°
A fresh and tangy fruit salad
- 150g of blueberries
- 250g of strawberries
- 150g of raspberries
- 150g of currants
- 2 tbsps of chia seeds
- Mint leaves
Chia seed: Danger?
Chia seeds do not have any real side effects, however in case of allergy to flax or sesame seeds, allergic reactions such as redness and itching can be noticed.
It should also be consumed moderately, so take advantage of their benefits without abusing them. (It’s all about the dosage). Chia seeds are also not recommended for people suffering from prostate cancer or taking anticoagulant therapy.
In addition, it is important to remember to drink plenty of water when you eat these seeds. If they have not been soaked beforehand, they will absorb the water in your stomach.
Chia seed: Experts’ opinion
The nutritional value of chia seeds is widely recognised by dieticians and nutritionists. Chia seeds are indicated for weight loss. They are known to promote the satiety effect and to facilitate the stabilization and loss of weight.
Studies have proven the favorable action of chia seed against hypertension. It is also known to regulate blood sugar levels.
Despite its proven nutritional value and numerous benefits, health professionals warn individuals suffering from swallowing problems and recommend soaking the seeds before eating them so as not to cause obstruction of the digestive tract and particularly the oesophagus.
Chia seed: Buy
It is essential to pay attention to the quality of the product and to favour foods of natural origin, free of pesticides, heavy metals (and other junk food).
Of course, it is recommended to consume chia seeds from organic farming in order to maximize the effects of the nutritional properties of this superfood.
Don't know which products to eat to reach your health goals?
Find out in less than a minute by making your personalized diagnosis.
