Saturday, March 16, 2013

Chia Seeds Health Benefits Include Lowered Risk of Heart Disease

Chia seeds health benefits run the gamut from minor improvements in diet to massive, life-changing results. One of the biggest benefits eating chia seeds regularly can have is to help you lower your risk of heart disease.



If you are high-risk for heart disease, or have a family history of heart disease, then you will be interested - indeed passionately so - in the chance to lower your risk of heart disease naturally, without miracle drugs, difficult to implement lifestyle changes, or scams.

So how do chia seeds health benefits include lowering your risk of heart disease? Here's the science behind the claim.

Chia Seeds are High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to assist in reducing risk factors for heart disease. Chia, this tiny seed known as "Indian running food," has the highest levels of plant based omega-3 fatty acids known to humans. It is easy to eat - just sprinkle it on your breakfast cereal or add it to whatever you're cooking - and you don't have to worry about that fishy smell or taste that comes along with fish oils. Also, it is the perfect choice for vegetarians who want to increase their omega-3 levels and lower the risk of heart disease.


Chia Seeds are High in Fiber
Along with omega-3 acids, chia is also an exceptionally high source of soluble dietary fiber. Again, studies have shown that a regular intake of fiber in your diet can lower your cancer risk.

Research Shows Chia Specifically Helps Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
After reading the above you may be wondering, "Well, it's true that chia contains those things that help lower my risk of cancer, but does that mean that chia specifically is a good thing to eat? Have any studies been done on chia?"

Yes! A study was conducted at the University of Toronto where a group of type 2 diabetic people ate chia seeds over a period of three months. At that time they were tested and it was found that their blood pressure had been lowered. Certain markers for heart disease were dramatically reduced. This study shows that chia seeds health benefits do include lowering the risk of heart disease.

So if you are hoping to lower your own risk of heart disease, or if you know someone at risk, look into adding chia seeds to your diet or their diet. It is very easy to do so and does not require a difficult lifestyle change. You will enjoy the health benefits and be glad you did so.