There is an ongoing body of research looking at the nutritional and medicinal benefits of chia seeds.
Several reports have suggested that chia seeds can kill cancerous cells without harming the healthy cells in the body and also that chia seeds can reduce the growth of cancer cells in breast cancer.
Chia seeds are special because the polyunsaturated fatty acids contain mainly omega-3 and omega-6; dietary fibre profile; along with the phytochemical and protein content. Approximately 75% of the fats in chia seeds consist of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), while the remaining 20% consist of omega-6 fatty acids.
This fatty acid profile is associated with a reduction of inflammation in the body and may help to reduce the effects of chemotherapy and radiation on body cells.
What do we love about chia seeds? They’re a rich source of plant lignans and are known to have anti-estrogenic effects, which can inhibit cell growth in breast tumors and are one of the 4 classes of phytoestrogens. phytoestrogens are a group of chemicals found in plants that can act like the hormone estrogen and can block the action of estrogens in the body.
Most of the carbohydrate found in chia seeds are in the form of soluble fibre and mucilage. Two tablespoons daily can provide approximately 11 grams of fibre, which is a significant portion of an individual daily fibre requirement; women need 25 grams while men need 38 grams per daily.
Finally, a plant-based food that is a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids. These amino acids are considered essential since they cannot be made by the human body.
Try our delicious Chia Seed Smoothie recipe.
Nutrition Facts (2 tablespoons)
Calories: 137
Carbohydrates: 12.3 grams
Fibre: 10.6 grams
Protein: 10.6 grams
Total fat: 8.6 grams
Polyunsaturated fat: 6.5 grams
Omega 3: 4915 grams
Omega 6: 1620 grams
Reference (nutritiondata.self.com, 2022)
Chia Seed Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons water
¼ cup skimmed milk
½ cup Greek yoghurt
½ cup frozen blueberries
3 strawberries
Method
- In a small bowl mix the chia seeds and water.
- Allow the seeds to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, until they soften into a gel.
- Blend all ingredients together.
- Serve immediately
