Weight loss superfood: Chia seeds for the win!
Belonging to the mint family, chia seeds is a modern-day superfood that is native to South America. It's an established fact by now that chia seeds are highly nutritious and provide you with an ample amount of energy. But lately, these seeds became popular due to them being used as a perfect weight loss ingredient. Low in calories and highly nutritious, these seeds keep you fuller for longer without loading you on calories. Chia seeds come from a non-grass plant and are rich in carbohydrate.
In older times, chia seeds were a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets, but later got banned due to their ritualistic religious use. Needless to say, these seeds have made a comeback with a bang in the market due to their positive connection with weight loss. So, here we bring to you a few ways by which chia seeds help you lose weight.
Keeps you fuller
Chia seeds are rich in fibre and thus eating them in between your meals not only stops you from bingeing but also helps you eat less in your next meal. Lesser calorie intake leads to more weight loss. When put in water, chia seeds form a gel which slows the absorption of carbohydrates in your body. The first thing you do while starting a weight loss journey is reducing your carb intake and chia seeds help you in doing that.
One most important thing that you have to do if you want to lose weight is to create a calorie deficit. Calorie deficit is when you burn more calories than what you eat. Doing so may make one feel less on energy initially. But if you consume chia seeds when on a weight loss plan it gives you the energy to get going. It increases your metabolism and we all know higher the metabolism the more you lose weight. Also not feeling weak and lethargic helps you follow your diet and exercise routine more meticulously and thus make you lose weight effectively and quickly.
High in fiber
Chia seeds are rich in fiber. 1 tablespoon of chia seed contains approximately 5 grams of fiber. Consuming more fiber helps you lose more weight by stopping you from bingeing. Consuming 2 tablespoons of chia seeds provides you 40 per cent of your daily required fiber intake.
Rich in protein
Lean muscles help in burning the accumulated fat and the high protein content in chia seeds help to build more lean muscles which ultimately helps you to lose weight. Lean muscles help you in getting a toned body. Toned body gives you a slimmer and younger look. It is also said that eating high protein food also helps in reducing 60 per cent night time craving.
Helps in detoxing
Detoxification, as we all know, helps in clearing off all the waste from the body which is very much essential for everybody regardless of if they are a weight loss plan or not. Chia seeds are rich in anti-oxidants which help in flushing out all the toxins from the body. These toxins are capable of damaging our body radicals which can result in pre-mature ageing and many diseases.
Best way to consume chia seeds
Chia seeds in water: Chia seeds form a gel when put in water. Drinking this water keeps you hydrated and helps you lose weight at the same time. Put 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in water and soak them for an hour. You can add some lemon juice, salt and mint leaves to enhance the taste. You may take sips of this water throughout the day or have a glass full of it early in the morning which will keep you fuller and energised throughout the day.: