Chia Seeds: What's The Deal With This Superfood?

Suddenly they were everywhere: chia seeds. The small, round grains attract a lot of attention as a superfood. But basically this is not a world first - the natives of North and Central America have known about the positive properties of chia seeds for centuries.

This fact earned them the nickname “Healing of the Maya”. And actually, behind all the marketing, there is actually a really healthy food. Used correctly, chia seeds can also enrich your diet.

Healthy Grains In Black And White

So what do you have to offer, the chia seeds? In fact, more than just a good reputation, because the inconspicuous black and white seeds are extremely rich in protein, full of healthy fatty acids, potassium, calcium and antioxidants.

The seeds are harvested after the chia plant has flowered in late summer. Since the plant, which belongs to the sage family, places few demands on the location, it is now grown in numerous tropical and subtropical areas, especially in Mexico, Guatemala and Australia.

Chia Plant

The seeds' ability to store larger amounts of water is similar to that of flaxseeds. Just like these, chia seeds can regulate digestion and support longer satiety thanks to their high fiber content. 15 grams of chia seeds contain about 22 grams of fiber; The daily recommendation from the German Nutrition Society is around 30 to 40 grams per day.

They compare favorably with other foods as superfood. Because they contain ten times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids of salmon and five times more calcium than milk. Their protein content is far higher than that of other types of grain such as wheat or spelled. They are also gluten-free, so they are also suitable for people with intolerances, and of course they also fit a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Even diabetics can benefit from ancient Mayan grains. Their very low glycemic index causes carbohydrates to be converted very slowly into sugar and its subsequent absorption into the blood. The result is obvious: the blood sugar level rises more slowly and stays at a constant level for longer.

Chia Seeds Put To The Test

Chia seeds don't have any bad properties, right? The grains are often said to be a real miracle cure for those who want to lose weight.

We wouldn't go that far. Realistically speaking, it is of course a very healthy food that shines primarily through its high proportion of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, no one has ever been able to lose weight in the long term by eating chia seeds alone.