There are lots of benefits in chia seeds, which are among the healthiest foods in the world. Human studies suggest that chia seeds are loaded with certain nutrients with essential benefits to develop the body and mind. However, breastfeeding mothers are wondering if this can still benefit them.
Basically, chia seeds look like tiny black seeds taken from the plant Salvia Hispanica, related to mint. This type of plant natively grows in South America. Back in the day, chia seeds were important food to the Mayans and Aztecs. According to them, it provides sustainable energy, as chia means strength in the ancient Mayan language.
Although it was already a dietary staple in ancient history, chia seeds just recently became recognized as a superfood in modern times. In fact, chia seeds became popular in the past few years. Thus, people all around the world who are health conscious have now consumed them due to the health benefits.
Here are some of the positive effects of chia seeds to people.
Tons of Nutrients with Only a Few Calories
Part of the nutrients you can benefit from includes 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, 18% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of calcium, 30% of the RDA of manganese, 30% of the RDA of magnesium, and 27% of the RDA of phosphorus. [1]
Loaded with Antioxidants
The amount of antioxidants in chia seeds is high, which means they will be able to protect sensitive fats found in the seeds from getting rancid. Thus, it can fight the effect of free radicals that damage the cells, which contribute to aging and certain forms of diseases, such as cancer. [2]
Carbohydrates Found in the Seeds Are Also Fiber
The amount of carbohydrates per ounce is 12 grams, which consists of 11 grams of fiber. However, this is not digested by the body, which also doesn’t raise blood sugar. At the same time, it doesn’t require insulin to dispose it. Therefore, the only true carbohydrate per ounce is only 1 gram, making it a low-carb friendly food.
Quality Protein Is High in Chia Seeds
Aside from the decent amount of protein, which is about 14%, it also has a good balance of essential amino acids. This will enable the body to make use of the protein, which has all sorts of health benefits.
In fact, it is a nutrient with the most weight-loss friendly attributes. The high intake of protein will reduce appetite as well as obsessive thoughts about food by an estimate of 60%. This also includes the elimination of nighttime snacking by 50%.
Here are the health benefits of chia seeds for breastfeeding mothers.
Basically, chia seeds are useful for breastfeeding women. This is because of their high source of fatty oils, fiber, calcium, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins. In fact, they have a healthy effect on the brain development of your baby. At the same time, it helps in the enhancement of breast milk production rate.
1. Protein
2. Essential Fatty Acids
In the healthy development of the nervous and immune system of your baby, omega-3-fatty acid plays a huge role. Likewise, it can help in the proper development of his/her brain. An intake of 1 or 2 tablespoons regularly can make your baby grow as a smart child. It also regulates the blood cholesterol level, which will help you get rid of the inflammation and problems with excess pounds.
3. Fiber
The intake of fiber via chia seeds will enable 1/3 of the daily recommended dosage of dietary fiber to the body. In other words, it can help in the regulation of a healthy digestive system, as you can overcome constipation problems or irregular bowel syndromes.
4. Calcium
It supplies a sufficient amount of calcium required for the development of teeth as well as healthy bones in your baby. It also helps in the improvement of nerve functions of your little child.
5. Minerals
The intake of healthy minerals while breastfeeding will help minimize the chances of developing hypertension [3]. For this reason, it can boost your metabolic rate, which will also enable you to achieve a healthy body weight after giving birth.
References
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1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds
2. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/antioxidants-fact-sheet
3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/key-minerals-to-help-control-blood-pressure
