They might be small, but chia seeds are being championed as a powerful ally in combating heart disease - and one doctor on TikTok suggests you should be scattering them over virtually everything.
In a viral video on the social media platform, the health professional using the handle @motivationaldoc shared all the concealed advantages of this nutritional powerhouse.
"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 outlines how they're loaded 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.
However, regarding cardiovascular health, the advantages can be even more remarkable. The World Health Organisation reports that cardiovascular diseases are responsible for around 20 million deaths globally each year, with elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure being two of the most significant risk factors, reports the Express.
Evidence indicates chia seeds can help address both issues. A review published in the journal Nutrients discovered that consuming them is linked with reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides.
Meanwhile, the American Heart Association states that soluble fibre - of which chia seeds are abundant - can assist in lowering 'bad' LDL cholesterol by reducing its absorption into the bloodstream.
There's additional benefits beyond this. Due to chia seeds absorbing "10 to 12 times their weight in water," as the TikTok doctor highlights, they swell in the stomach and promote a prolonged feeling of fullness - an enormous advantage for managing weight.
And keeping a healthy weight is vital, as the NHS cautions that being overweight heightens 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 straightforward and versatile to incorporate into your daily eating habits. "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."
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