The ancient Aztecs and Mayans prized chia seeds for their medicinal properties.
And after flying under the radar for a few centuries, they’ve become one of the most popular health trends in recent years and are adored by models, Hollywood elite and top chefs alike. But are they worthy of their superfood status?
Chia seeds, the health benefits:
- Nutritional lowdown
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- A source of fiber
- Protein
Is Chia Good for Diabetics?
Chia seeds are tiny dark, nutty-flavored seeds that are rich in nutrients like healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants, notes MedlinePlus. Because chia seeds are packed with nutrients but aren't high-carb foods, these seeds may show potential for people with diabetes.
Blood Sugar Control
According to Harvard Health Publications, some research shows that chia seeds may help diabetics control blood sugar levels. A study published in 2007 in Diabetes Care found that chia appears to help improve blood sugar control and heart-disease risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. However, research is still ongoing to help determine the effects fatty acids found in chia seeds on blood sugar levels:
- Heart Health
- Weight Management
- Bottom Line
A Chia Pet for diabetes?
Like swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano in the spring, Chia Pets begin appearing every December on late-night television and in the gift aisles of many stores. (Full disclaimer: I bought one for the Yankee Swap at Harvard Health Publication’s annual Christmas party.) Water these ceramic figures and they sprout a green “fur” from seeds embedded on the surface. Silly? Sure, that’s why they are such a hit. What you might not know is that the seeds may someday be a real gift for people with diabetes.
Chia seeds come from a plant formally known as Salvia hispanica, which is a member of the mint family. It gets its common name from the Aztec word “chian,” meaning oily, because the herb’s small, black seeds are rich in oils. It was a staple food for the Aztecs, and legend has it that their runners relied on chia seeds for fuel as they carried messages one hundred or more miles in a day. Chia seeds contain more healthy omega-3 fats and fiber than flax or other grain seeds. They are also a good source of protein and antioxidants.
Some preliminary research indicates that chia seeds could—I stress the “could”—help people with diabetes control their blood sugar and protect their hearts. Studies in animals show that a chia-rich diet lowers harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol. And a white-seeded variant of chia, called Salba, helped diabetic volunteers control their blood sugar, as well as their blood pressure and new markers of cardiac risk, such as C-reactive protein. The results were published in the journal Diabetes Care.
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Chai tea: benefits and side effects
Chai tea has a number of benefits. Different chai teas have different benefits. Now there are two methods of stating the benefits of chai tea. One method is to look at the ingredients of chai tea and tell the benefits of each separately. The other way is to state the health benefits of chai tea in general. Both of these ways are used in this article to get a better overview.
First let us look at the benefits of chai tea with regards to the ingredients present in it. The ingredients in chai tea work together and increase the benefits of each other.
General health benefits
- Antioxidant properties
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Aid in digestion
- Reduction in cancer risk
- Fighting anxiety and depression
- Strengthening the immune system
- Fighting and preventing diabetes
- Caffeine side effects
- Dangers for breastfeeding and pregnant women
- Other side effects
related:
Health Benefits of Cumin Seeds
Health Benefits of Avocado
Health benefits of Cucumber
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Health Benefits of Cinnamon
Health Benefits of Gingko
Health Benefits of Ginseng
Health Benefits of Goji Berries
Health Benefits of Ginger
Health Benefits of Garlic
Health Benefits of Honey
Health Benefits of Dates
Health Benefits of Onion
Health Benefits of Spices
Health Benefits of Food
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Health Benefits of Bananas
Health Benefits of Lemon
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Health Benefits of Moringa
Health Benefits of Mushrooms
