Weight Loss: Here's why weight watchers should incorporate chia seeds in their diet

Weight loss is one of the most Googled topics as many people across the world suffer from obesity as a sedentary lifestyle has been quite prevalent since the past decades. Healthy diet and workout are the two best ways to lose weight. Today, we are talking about one of the weight loss booster- Chia seeds. The small black and white seeds come from a mint family and are Mexico and South America natives. These particular seeds have been gaining a lot of popularity in the health circles of late as the tiny seeds are loaded with many nutrients.

Aside from improving overall health, it also promotes weight loss, lowers bad cholesterol and also helps to protect the heart. Today, in this article, we have explained how these seeds help to reduce weight and how one can incorporate the seeds in the diet.

Speaking of the nutrient profile, these seeds are packed with fiber, protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). They expand and form a thick gel-like when we soak it in water. One can have 2-3 tablespoons of chia seeds everyday.  Also, the best part of the seeds is that they do not have strong flavour or taste and that's why you can add them in any preparation. There are many yummy preparations one can make such as smoothies, muffins, pudding, fruit salad, protein bar and shakes among others.

Dietary fiber

The fiber content in food items aids weight loss. For example, fiber content promotes and increases stool frequency and prevents constipation. Keeps you full for longer and suppresses hunger. It also helps the body to absorb fewer calories and helps to remove toxins buildup.

Antioxidants content

Antioxidants such as quercetin, caffeic acid, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid and fight inflammation. Weight watchers should know unwanted junk and inflammation are common causes of weight gain. The seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3-fatty acid and they have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. 

Protein content

The protein content helps to build muscles and thus increases the metabolism. Also, they keep us fuller for long period of time. For the unversed, an ounce of chia seeds has 4.4 grams of protein. 

Helps you to be active

Chia seeds provide energy and help us to be active. Aside from increasing energy levels, it also accelerates the metabolic rate which leads to more burning of calories and ultimately leading to weight loss.

Boosts the production of leptin

Leptin which is a hunger-inhibiting hormone gets produced more with the help of chia seeds. These seeds are one of the best sources of protein and the same help in the production of leptin. The hormone suppresses appetite which in turns prevents overeating and maintains healthy body weight.

Apart from a healthy diet, one should also indulge in any form of physical activity such as brisk walking, climbing stairs, running and cycling among others. Jumping jacks, spot jogging, squats, lunges, planks, kicks, mountain climbers and skipping among others are some of the easy bodyweight exercises one can do at home.

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