Friday, October 10, 2014

How Chia Seeds Help Your Cells Stay Healthy

You've probably heard about chia seeds. Health benefits are frequently explained in terms of how you look and feel - like having far more energy or losing weight - but have you ever questioned just at what point this process commences and how it works?

The health benefits of chia begin at the cellular level. To have an understanding of why eating chia is so good for you, you must comprehend how cells work.

Cells are the foundation of life. You could consider them as the bricks from which all the human body's tissues and organs are constructed.

If the cells become unable to operate effectively, the tissues and organs are compromised. A chain reaction occurs and your physical functioning deteriorates, making you a great deal more prone to illness and injury.

Healthy cells lead to a healthy body. This translates in everyday experience to a feeling of good health.

Do you know you have around 30 trillion cells in your body? That is a lot. Every day, thousands of new cells are created to replace old cells. Your body acquires the energy to create new cells from nutrients you get in your food. In addition, nutrients also protect your cellular system from damage and help produce energy to be used by the body in many ways.

Healthy cells need a variety of vitamins and minerals. One of the best ways to get all the vitamins and minerals you require is to eat whole grains. Chia is a whole grain.

A whole grain, such as chia, contains three main parts: the germ, endosperm, and bran. The bran is the protective layer of the grain and contains 60% of the nutrients, including magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper and manganese. All of these are absolutely necessary for healthy cells.

In a whole grain food, all three parts of the grain are present and you get the entire spectrum of vitamins and minerals. But in a refined food product, like white bread, the germ and bran are removed. Only the endosperm is left. This means your cells will not get the full range of nutrients they so desperately need to have to sustain good health.

Besides the full spectrum of vitamins, your cells need to have healthy fats, such as the omega-3 fatty acids. Chia is the largest source of omega-3 of any plant-based food. Since chia is gluten-free, you don't have to worry about allergies. And since it's a plant, you don't have to worry about that fishy taste other sources of omega-3 have. Chia is the perfect way to meet your cells needs for omega-3 fatty acids. It also has got other healthy fats, such as omega-6.

Your cells also require proteins to support healthy protective membranes. Chia possesses a high percentage of protein. This is what gives it its reputation among super-athletes. You could eat chia just before exercising, and you will enjoy a boost of long-lasting energy. You won't crash and burn, and you won't feel full or bloated. Chia is an ideal protein source for the body and for your cells.

Your cells also need anti-oxidants. Mainly because oxidation is a naturally occurring process within the body through external sources like exposure to the sun or pollution, a balance with antioxidants must exist to maintain cell well-being. Chia is a great source of antioxidants.

Studies have shown a eating plan containing antioxidants could slow the process of maturing in both the body and the brain and lessen the consequences of chronic diseases like Alzheimer's disease and muscle degeneration.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/how-chia-seeds-help-your-cells-stay-healthy-3247358.html

What Are Chia Seeds?

Chia seed comes from the plant known by the Latin botanical name of Salvia hispanica.  Salvia hispanica is an annual  herb that is native to Mexico, but chia herb is also grown commercially in South America as well as Australia.  Chia belongs to the botanical family Labiatae or Lamiaceae, which is the mint family, and is one of the few members of that family where the seeds are the primary part of interest of the plant.   Chia seed is used as food and contains Omega-3 fatty acid, and thus has garnered interest for its health benefits.  You may buy chia seed from quality online bulk herb processors.

Chia seeds are also used in the interesting porous clay figures known as Chia Pets.  The chia seeds are moistened and then placed on the clay figure, where the chia seeds sprout.

The chia seed is made up of approximately one-third protein, a third oil and a third soluble dietary fiber.  The oil in the seed from Salvia hispanica contains two-thirds concentration of omega-3 fatty acid.  The seed also contains antioxidants and amino acids.  A team of Canadian doctors determined that less than a half-cup of chia approximately contains a similar amount of omega-3 oils as does a pound and a half of salmon, as much calcium as would be found in three cups of milk, and as much iron as would be available in five cups of raw spinach.  Chia is also gluten free.

Chia seed can be eaten either raw or cooked.  It can be taken as a supplement to add fiber and omega-3 to the diet.  Ground seed is used to make a pudding or porridge, and can also be added to breads or biscuits.  The seeds can be added to water or juice for a gelatinous and nutritional boost.  The seeds can also be sprouted and used as an addition to sandwiches and salads.

Chia has been around for many thousands of years.  The Aztecs made wide use of Salvia hispanica in their culture.  The name of the seed actually comes from the Aztec word "chian," which is Aztec for "oily."  The Aztecs ate the seeds of Chia as one of their primary food sources.  When the Aztec priests demanded taxes and tribute to be paid, people were expected to bring the seed of chia plants as payment.

Although there is a similar plant that goes by the name of Golden Chia, that plant is not grown widely for commercial harvest.  Look for a quality online dried herb provider that directly sources their chia from suppliers when you decide to buy chia seed.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-is-chia-seed-1024647.html

Chia Seeds Side Effects

Ever consider chia seeds negative effects if taken in too much and not per doctor's guidance? Chia seeds have got long list of health benefits however do not over consume without the assistance of a medical professional. If you are a cancer malignancy patient and is also taking medicines for cancer malignancy treatment, blood thinning medicine due to high blood pressure or even some other supplements, it is advisable to consult your physician for advice and ask for the actual dosage.
Usually marketers and also advertisers often over encourage especially when you are looking at health foods while customers easily believe and over eat. Clearly the right and recommended foods present more minerals, nutrition and also vitamins but always remember that anything that is consume exceedingly will not be beneficial like chia seed side effects which often do more damage than good.

So, exactly what are Chia Seeds Unwanted side effects?

If you are apt to have gastric problem, eating too much chia seed can cause stomach disruptions and may get deteriorated. This is because its high fiber content also leads to development of gas and trapped wind problem. Patients who are at present taking bloodstream thinning treatment or just been subject to operation must consult doctor before consume as chia seeds side effects may well aggravate your current situation. Studies have also shown that lower blood pressure individuals should stay away from taking chia seeds as it will certainly further decrease the diastolic blood pressure.
After consuming chia seeds if you found yourself having looseness of the bowels, watery eyes, skin scalp breakouts or virtually any swelling in any part of your system, please consult doctor right away. Some people just can't take chia seed as it cause allergy to their body. This really is one of the chia seed products side effects due to high content associated with protein that can cause adverse reactions to some people. According to medical researchers, if consume too much chia seeds especially for men will heighten the risk associated with prostate cancer.

When stirring up a glass of chia seed drink, you will observe that it soaks up water and becomes gel like and so it makes you feel very full after drinking it. It's best for people who really want to slim down so the feeling of fullness will make them eat less and also consume smaller amount. However always remember please stay well hydrated of at least 8 to 9 glass of water daily. Deficiency of water can bring about dehydration, deplete your energy and make you feel fatigued. Last but not least, we've heard about chia seeds health benefits and chia seeds side effects so you should eat infrequently and don't indulge.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/chia-seeds-unwanted-effects-4584757.html