They may be tiny, but chia seeds are being hailed as a mighty weapon in the fight against heart disease – and one doctor on TikTok says you should be sprinkling them on just about everything. In a viral clip on the social media platform, the health expert under the handle @motivationaldoc revealed all the hidden benefits of this nutritional superfood.
« You want to stay healthy and feel great? » he asked. « Chia pack a powerful punch. Here’s why you should be adding them to your diet. » The doctor then explains how they’re packed with « essential nutrients like fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients » that « support digestive health » and « can help prevent constipation ».
According to the US Department of Agriculture, two tablespoons (28g) of chia seeds contain around 10g of fibre, roughly a third of the recommended daily intake, as well as nearly 5g of protein and significant levels of calcium, magnesium and iron.
But when it comes to heart health, the benefits can be even more impressive. The World Health Organisation says cardiovascular diseases account for around 20 million deaths globally each year, with high cholesterol and high blood pressure two of the biggest risk factors.
Research suggests chia seeds can help tackle both. A review published in the journal Nutrients found that eating them is associated with reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides.
Meanwhile, the American Heart Association says that soluble fibre – which chia seeds are rich in – can help lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol by reducing its absorption in the bloodstream.
There’s more where that comes from. Because chia seeds absorb « 10 to 12 times their weight in water, » as the TikTok doctor notes, they expand in the stomach and help you feel fuller for longer – a huge bonus for weight management.
And maintaining a healthy weight is key as the NHS warns that being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
Chia seeds also « contain calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, all which are crucial for maintaining strong bones, » he adds.
Best of all, they’re simple and flexible to include in your everyday diet. « Sprinkle them on your salads, mix them in your smoothies, or make a chia pudding for a nutritional boost,” he suggests. « Remember, stay positive, eat healthy, get your exercise, and your body will love you. »
Source link
