Why Chia is Crucial for Healthy Cells
Posted: Saturday, September 11, 2010
by Alex Amari
You have probably heard about chia seeds. Health benefits are typically explained in terms of how you look and feel - like having even more energy or losing weight - but have you ever questioned just at what point this process launches and how it works?
The health benefits of chia commence at the cellular level. To fully grasp why eating chia is so good for you, you must comprehend how cells work.
If the cells become unable to operate properly, the tissues and organs are compromised. A chain reaction occurs and your physical functioning deteriorates, making you even more prone to illness and injury.
Healthy cells bring about a healthy body. This translates in everyday experience to a feeling of well-being.
Did you know you have around 30 trillion cells in your body? That is a lot. Every day, thousands of new cells are created to replace old cells. Your body obtains the energy to create new cells from nutrients you get in your food. In addition, nutrients also protect your cellular system from damage and help produce energy to be used by the body in many ways.
Healthy cells require a variety of vitamins and minerals. One of the best ways to get all the vitamins and minerals you require is to eat whole grains. Chia is a whole grain.
A whole grain, like chia, contains three main parts: the germ, endosperm, and bran. The bran is the protective layer of the grain and contains 60% of the nutrients, including magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper and manganese. All of these are absolutely necessary for healthy cells.
In a whole grain food, all three parts of the grain are present and you get the entire spectrum of vitamins and minerals. But in a refined food product, like white bread, the germ and bran are removed. Only the endosperm is left. This means your cells will not get the full range of nutrients they so desperately need to have to preserve well-being.
In addition to the full spectrum of vitamins, your cells need to have healthy fats, such as the omega-3 fatty acids. Chia is the largest source of omega-3 of any plant-based food. Since chia is gluten-free, you don't have to worry about allergies. And since it's a plant, you don't have to worry about that fishy taste other sources of omega-3 have. Chia is the perfect way to meet your cells needs for omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains other healthy fats, such as omega-6.
Your cells also have to have proteins to support healthy protective membranes. Chia carries a high percentage of protein. This is what gives it its reputation among super-athletes. You might eat chia just before exercising, and you will enjoy a boost of long-lasting energy. You won't crash and burn, and you won't feel full or bloated. Chia is an ideal protein source for the body and for your cells.
Your cells also require anti-oxidants. Because oxidation is a naturally occurring process within the body through external sources like exposure to the sun or pollution, a balance with antioxidants must exist to maintain cell health. Chia is an excellent source of antioxidants.
Studies have shown a eating regimen containing antioxidants is able to slow the process of aging in both the body and the brain and lessen the results of chronic diseases like Alzheimer's disease and muscle degeneration.
Chia seeds' health benefits don't have to cost you an arm and a leg, either. Buy naturally gluten-free chia seeds for less than the price of a cup of coffee at chiaseedshealthbenefits.com. Or find out how to prepare chia seeds for maximum health benefits.
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