Chia a new Superfood, today superfoods are very popular in developed countries and people are increasing the use of superfoods in their diet to improve their health.
Superfoods are foods that are high in essential nutrients for human health. These include Quinoa, Amaranth, Buckwheat and Chia.
Chia belongs to the mint family. It was cultivated in the United States thousands years ago. The people of that time had a very strong belief that its seeds protect them from the God of fire.
Chia is grown on thousands of acres many countries around the world, mostly in Mexico, Bolivia, Argentina, Australia and Guatemala. In 2009, the European Union approved chia food as a staple food, allowing 5 percent of the food to contain chia seeds.
In view of the growing demand in developed countries, chia can be exported and introduced as a cash crop. Chia has the distinction of being a functional food. Functional food is said to provide the body with basic nutrients as well as help against dangerous diseases.
As far as nutrition is concerned, its seeds contain far more omega-3s, calcium, antioxidants than any other food item, and more iron and protein than oats, barley and wheat, as well as vitamins and minerals.
It is completely gluten-free. Because of these properties, it has the distinction of being a superfood and alternative food, and in addition to filling our stomachs, our body meets all the things it needs from food.
This is a complete diet to overcome the problem of malnutrition that is plaguing the world today. We eat all the low quality food throughout the day and the chemicals in it are causing various diseases in our body.
Body needs antioxidants, which are abundant in its seeds, to protect them and counteract their effects. Its oil is healthier than canola, linseed and soybean oils because it contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke.
There are many ways to use it, the most popular of which are using its seeds in beverages and in various foods. Its seeds cool the effect of drinks and other food in which chia seed added.
Thousands of years ago, American warriors and athletes eat chia seeds that gave them the strength to work hard during the war and under unavailability of food.
According to a study, the energy required for a person to work 24 hours a day can be easily obtained by eating just two tablespoons of soaked seeds. One of the unique and interesting things about chia seeds is that they absorb water many more times than their weight which saves man from dehydration.
Benefits of Natural Protection Against Many Diseases in Chia
Its seeds absorb many times more water than its weight, which helps to deal with the situation and prevent dehydration when water is not available.
Omega-3 fatty acids in it are very useful for health in terms of nutrition. Especially for people with heart, diabetes and immune problems.The body needs daily vitamins, minerals, antioxidants / cancer-reducing ingredients, protein and fiber that can be easily obtained from chia seeds to function regularly and eat healthily.
They keep the blood sugar level stable so it is very beneficial for diabetics.Its seeds absorb plenty of water which strengthens and improves the digestive system.Chia green leaves soaked in lukewarm water for a while to make an herbal coffee that eliminates obesity.
It keeps the intestines of the body soft and prevents them from becoming dry and narrow, which is why they also prevent constipation.Its seeds are also helpful in the treatment of anemia, a dangerous blood disease.
Due to its high nutritional value, it provides more energy than other foods, which provide the energy needed for long-term work. Chia seeds are also added to the diet of chickens and broilers to improve their quality of meat.
They also reduce appetite because they stay in the stomach longer and thus energy is released from them for a longer period of time and the other major reason is that they contain healthy oil which makes them more and longer lasting. Keep providing energy for.
The antioxidants in it eliminate the effects of harmful chemicals and ingredients in the body and also slow down the aging process and keep the face fresh.
Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc. contained in it strengthens the bones and also protects against knee and muscle diseases in older women.Improves brain function which is a guarantee of a good memory.
Collectively authored by
This article is collectively written by Husnain Raza Bajwa and Ali Virk Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Department of Parasitology, University of agriculture Faisalabad. Principle authored Husnain Raza
Reference Cassiday L. Chia: 2017. superfood or superfat. Inform. 28:6-13. Strong B. Chia seeds-health from Aztecs