What Are The Real Benefits of Chia Seeds?
“Chia seeds are truly an interesting food,” the nutritionist tells us right away. They’re rich in fiber, especially soluble fiber, which, when added to water, forms their characteristic gelatinous substance. They’re among the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, which is essential for heart health and fighting systemic inflammation.
They are a precious mine of mineral salts, particularly calcium and magnesium, essential for the correct functioning of the body, and are distinguished by a fair amount of proteins: they provide all nine essential amino acids, a characteristic that makes them particularly recommended for those who follow a diet free or lacking in animal protein sources.
The gel formation due to the presence of soluble fiber can increase the feeling of satiety, promote bowel regularity, and improve stool consistency. “So yes, they can help with mild constipation, but not because they ‘clean’ the intestines, but because they provide fiber. You get the same effect with legumes, fruit, vegetables, or oats,” explains our expert.