How Chia Seeds Improve Cholesterol Profile, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure?

According to the Diabetic Society of Singapore, about 9% of the adult population in this country has diabetes. It’s a chronic health condition when the body isn’t processing sugar correctly and thus causing the blood sugar level to rise to unhealthy levels. Diabetes can affect people of any age or race and is afflicting more than 2% of the population worldwide.

To someone with diabetes, blood sugar level control is very important and hence, making certain dietary changes is necessary. Carbohydrates can make the blood sugar level rise faster than fibres, proteins or fats. Diabetics should cut back on excess carbohydrate intake and include more proteins & fibres which can keep their blood sugar levels in check.

Organic Chia seeds contain 16 percent protein, 31 percent fat, and 44 per cent carbohydrate of which 38 percent is fibre. Most of the chia seed’s fat is the essential omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) – these fats are good for you. The body cannot produce this essential fatty acid and therefore must be consumed in the diet.

According to research by Dr Luc Djousse of Harvard University, the consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids appeared to protect against diabetes. The doctor had suggested that omega-3s — and particularly ALA — might improve body cells’ sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how adding Chia seeds to your diet can help regulate high blood pressure, diabetes, and Cholesterol profile.

How Do Organic Chia Seeds Help Improve Cholesterol Profile and Diabetes Issues?

Chia seeds are hydrophilic in nature, meaning they can absorb water many times their own weight. So when you consume organic chia seeds, they form a viscous gel, and this retards the processing of food in the body. This in turn regulates food absorption. It also slows down the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar, an essential factor concerning diabetes.

Insulin Resistance

The key benefit of chia seeds is their ability to control insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone that transports the sugar (glucose) from the blood into the muscles and the liver where it can be utilised by the body as fuel. With the insulin level in check, the sudden spikes in glucose levels are evened out, stabilising the metabolism. Since the release of sugar is now controlled, you feel fuller and more energetic for a longer period of time, thereby reducing food cravings.

Helps Improve Heart Health & Cholesterol

A lot of people suffering from diabetes also have high blood pressure and an increase in cholesterol levels, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. Eating chia seeds provides your body with a healthy dose of ALA, alpha-linolenic acid, which can improve cardiovascular health. This fatty acid also helps prevent the deposit of cholesterol in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis. Thus chia seeds lead to lesser amounts of fat accumulation in the body by keeping a check on the level of triglycerides and cholesterol.

Aids in Type 2 Diabetes

A majority of people who deal with diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes, and it is more commonly seen in overweight people. Adding chia seeds to the diet is an excellent way to manage and lose weight. Being rich in dietary fibre and with their tendency to retain water, they fill you up faster and suppress your appetite for unhealthy snacks. Unlike other grains, even a small amount of chia seeds provides your body with enough fibre for a day. So including organic chia seeds is beneficial, especially for diabetics, as just eating a small quantity of fibre-rich food can aid in your weight loss efforts.

Conclusion

With so many health benefits, it’s hardly any wonder that these tiny chia seeds in Singapore are the rage now in many health-conscious communities. But you should be aware that eating chia seeds alone cannot fight diabetes. Treating diabetes means making a lot of adjustments to your lifestyle and food habits. It is equally important to follow all medication as advised by your doctor and exercise on a regular basis.

However, the addition of chia seeds to your daily diet will go a long way in dealing with diabetes and cholesterol. You can eat them in a variety of ways, by adding them to water, juices and beverages. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients and incorporating this superfood into your daily diet can definitely bring about a positive change in your overall health.

If you are consuming Organic Chia Seeds regularly, let us know how Chia Seeds have helped to boost your health! Just post a comment below.