Chia seeds are one of nature’s miracle foods. These little things are chock full of a wide variety of health benefits. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and are a great way to get healthy fat and fiber into your diet. And the best part is that they don’t have any flavor, so you can throw them into really anything for an extra boost of nutrition. You may already be aware of all the benefits of chia seeds, and it’s no secret—they are one of the most popular superfoods. However, you may not be aware that these seeds also produce an oil that packs a big punch when it comes to nutrition. Read on to learn more and see if you want to make extra room for chia seeds and chia oil in your pantry.
The 411 on Chia Oil
As you likely guessed, chia oil is extracted from chia seeds—and doing so offers a lot of benefits. That’s thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in which this oil is rich.
These minerals and vitamins are essential at any age but become increasingly important for women over 50.
Let’s dive into all the benefits you can enjoy by adding chia oil to your supplement regimen.
Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation gets a bad name, but there are some times when inflammation is actually a good thing. You want inflammation in your body to happen when you get injured or have an infection. The inflammation is a signal that something is wrong. It’s like your body’s SOS signal.
However, you don’t want that inflammation to stay there. You want to thank it for warning you but then have it disappear. Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy, and many of us find ourselves dealing with chronic inflammation in the body that is very taxing. Chronic inflammation can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and cancer.
Enter: chia oil. This magic oil has omega-3 fatty acids that work against inflammation and help to reduce it. If you have arthritis, chia oil may be just what the doctor ordered since it can help reduce inflammation in your hands. On top of that, chia oil may also have the power to reduce cardiovascular inflammation, lowering your risk of heart disease.
Increased Energy Levels
We could all use more energy as we age. One of the most challenging things about getting older is that you don’t seem to have the energy you used to.
That is, until now. Chia oil is a great way to give your body a boost of energy thanks to the essential minerals it contains (we’re looking at you, magnesium and iron), which are key to keeping your energy levels up.
Magnesium is the mineral responsible for producing our body’s energy and plays a significant role in hundreds of chemical reactions in the body. Iron is a necessary mineral that helps transport oxygen to your body’s cells, which is integral to energy.
Improved Cognitive Function
With age comes a decline in cognitive function, leading to memory loss and other issues that can affect everyday life. Chia oil and its omega-3 fatty acids offer help when it comes to this. That’s because omega-3s are key for healthy brain function, and chia oil is a quick and easy way to get them.
Better Bone Health
The decline of bone density is another thing that can happen as you age, which opens up the doors for more opportunities for injuries and even osteoporosis.
Chia oil contains minerals such as calcium and phosphorous that aid in keeping bone density healthy. Remember when your parents always told you to drink milk? You may have even said it to your kids, too. That’s because calcium helps to build strong bones, and milk has a bunch of it. Phosphorous is what keeps your bones strong.
Better Skin
After a long life of exposure to the sun and pollution, our skin takes a toll. But you can lessen the appearance of that toll with the help of chia oil. This oil is packed with antioxidants that help protect your skin from free radical damage. These free radicals are what cause cell damage and lead to the appearance of aging.
In addition to that, chia oil’s omega-3s are ideal for skin hydration and also work to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The anti-inflammatory properties mentioned above also apply to the skin, and chia oil can help reduce skin redness.
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Tiny Chia Seeds Pack A Big Punch