From the Aztecs, the Maya and the Indians until today, Chia seeds have proven their healing properties!
The products in our country, which are based on superfoods, are constantly increasing, as more and more consumers turn to food choices with beneficial properties. Superfoods are coming dynamically to meet the needs of this new buying trend in Greece and are one of the categories that could increase the profits of small retail stores.
In fact, in recent times, more and more food industries are launching products with chia seeds, an up-and-coming superfood, which has now made its entry into the market. These are the seeds of a flowering plant native to South America, Mexico and Guatemala. Since 2009, the European Union has approved Chia seeds as a novel food, allowing up to 5% to be added to pastry products. Chia seeds can be added to other foods, such as smoothies, breakfast cereals, cereal bars, yogurt, pies and bread. Domestic companies, following international trends, have launched similar chia products for consumers looking for healthier options..
Their nutritional value
Chia seeds contain:
- Ω3 fatty acids. They are extremely important for body and brain as they enhance heart health, reduce inflammation.
- Carbohydrate with high fiber content. Fiber enhances the feeling of satiety, thus helping to maintain and / or lose weight and intestinal motility, thus combating constipation.
- Sufficient amount of calcium, iron.
- They reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.
- Antioxidants. By consuming Chia seeds we will obtain various antioxidants, which fight the production of free radicals, protecting against aging, inflammation, heart disease and diseases such as cancer.
- Vegetable protein. Chia seed has 9 essential amino acids. The literature has shown that daily consumption of 20-25% protein can be responsible for maintaining body weight.
- They help in better blood glucose management. By consuming a high-carbohydrate meal, postprandial glucose (2 hours after a meal) is prudent to be <140mg / dl and less than 140-180 mg / dl for people without and with type 2 diabetes respectively. Animal studies have shown that chia seeds can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control by stabilizing postprandial levels.