Monday, 19 November 2018

The superfood -Chia seed and its oil


Oils can be the best remedy for skin ailments. Are you a bit confused about this statement?  Let me explain- oils and seeds have been known since ancient times for its healthy use. Just think a bit, how we came to know about oils or even healthy use of seeds? Ought to be from the history or from some other sources. Yet, we are not more known to it. In today’s world, we are exploring most of the herbal and ayurvedic ingredients to know more about it. Here comes chia seed oil- the wonder oil. Why do I call it a wonder oil?  The seeds of chia are power packed superfood while their oils are just filled with enormous healthy nutrients. Chia seed oils can be an excellent source for omega 3 fatty acids, omega 6 and antioxidants which makes your skin, nails and hairs healthy. If you are really fed up of your skin issues, hair problems why not try chia seed oils?

What chia seeds are? 
 
These are basically tiny black edible plant seeds belonging to the family Lamiaceae and bears the scientific name Salvia hispanica (1).  It has been a source of food in ancient time for many people like Mayan and Aztecs. Chia means strength according to Mayan (2). Chia seeds are filled with nutrients and healthy benefits. Now, let’s see the benefits of chia oil which is extracted from chia seed.

CHIA SEED OIL: The extracted chia seed oil has great potential. It keeps the skin hydrated, might reduce itchy skin for certain time, the appearance of wrinkle gets reduced making the skin youthful. It is abundant of omega 3 fatty essential acids. It also contains a certain amount of antioxidants like carotenoid, polyphenols etc.

Why consume Chia seed oil/chia seeds?


Loaded with quality proteins: It contains significant amount of protein. The well-balanced amount of essential amino acids in chia seed oil allows the body to utilize those amino acids in a proper way (3)(4).  Proteins are essential for the body in one or the other way. Consumption of protein filled diet can reduce the appetite and can help in weight loss (5).

Anti-inflammatory properties: Chia seed oil can provide omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids to the body. This omega 3 fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatory agents. Swimming, running and any peak workouts put lots of pressure on your joints which might lead to inflammation, this can also be alleviated by omega 3 fatty acids which are in chia seed oil (6).
Rich with anti-oxidants: Chia seeds are rich in anti-oxidants (7). Anti-oxidants are helpful for the body. These anti-oxidants also act as a protective layer for the sensitive fats in the seeds from going rancid (8).
Anti-aging properties: If you really care about your skin, then chia seeds and its oil can be the best for you. Chia seeds as it contains anti-oxidants is believed to have anti-aging properties also. The nutrients and anti-oxidants in chia seed can improve the skin condition and makes the skin healthy and youthful.
Improve brain condition: The omega 3 fatty acids are even beneficial for the brain. It helps to build brain cell membranes, and even alleviate inflammation. Hence, chia seeds can be helpful in improving brain function. Organic chia seed contains more quantities of nutrients.
It can be used as a body oil, face oil and even cooking oil also.
Precautions:

  • Pregnant women should consult a doctor before consumption.
  • People who are sensitive to chia seeds or oil should avoid as it may lead to allergy.



REFERENCES :

  1.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_hispanica
  2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds#section2
  3.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23240604
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21339125
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16002798
  6. https://organicvegansuperfoods.com/top-5-benefits-of-chia-seed-oil/
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24811150
  8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814607008709