Many communities, especially native Americans, have made chia seeds part of their daily diet for centuries thanks to its health benefits. Belonging to the mint family, chia seeds are harvested from the Salvia Hispanica plant. The plant naturally grows in Mexico and the southwestern US. However, it is also commercially grown today in a number of countries, such as Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina and so on.
Rich In Essential Oils:
These seeds are often included in many recipes to enhance the food’s nutritional value and may be consumed in raw or processed form.
Chia seeds are very rich in essential oils which contain high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, fiber, calcium and antioxidants. This makes them very nutritious and essential for daily intake. Besides that, they also contain different minerals, proteins and vitamins. All these nutrients make chia worth consuming by individuals of any age group, particularly those who have nutritional deficiencies. Besides their nutritional value, the seeds have a number of health benefits.
Why Is Chia Seed A Better Form Of Omega-3?
According to research, Chia seeds offer a better form of omega-3 fatty acids because the plant based omega-3 helps to protect your heart, contains phytochemicals and antioxidants, has no overdose side effects, has no fishy burp aftertaste, controls free radicals which may damage brain cells, helps in the brain development of infants and promotes emotional balance.
Some studies indicate that fish based omega-3 can reduce the risks of heart conditions while others show that it can increase the risks of heart attack. But the harmful effects of fish oils can be attributed to the toxins that they contain.
Fish Oil And Toxins:
Most oceans and rivers in the world contain toxic contaminates such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins. These toxins accumulate in fish and may neutralize the benefits of omega-3 that they contain. On the other hand, omega-3 acids from healthy plant-based sources like chia are quite safe because they are not laced up with toxic pollutants.
Most experts warn young people, breastfeeding and pregnant women and women who want to get pregnant in the future, to limit their intake of oily fish. They advise that adults should eat utmost one portion of marlin, swordfish or shark a week because such fish have high mercury content.
They have warned about the dioxin levels in mackerel, herring and salmon. These pollutants may be harmful to adults, children, infants and unborn babies. The warning has also been extended to the intake of non-oily fish such as, sea bream, turbot, sea bass, halibut or dog fish. Apart from containing toxins, these fish may also lead to the development of cancer.
However, you don’t have to consume these carcinogens and neurotoxins to enjoy the benefits of omega-3; there are safe plant sources such chia. Many studies have proven that plant based omega-3s can offer you many health benefits without exposure to harmful toxins. Plant-based omega-3 fatty acids offer better protection against heart diseases and other degenerative conditions. Plant based omega-3 acids are also environmentally friendly and sustainable as opposed to fish oils.
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