Chia seeds
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are tiny black seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica. These seeds are considered among the most nutritious foods and are also known as “Functional food”. Chia seeds are loaded with fiber, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Dry chia seeds can be consumed alone or can also be added to smoothies and juices, mixed into yogurt as well as oatmeal, or sprinkled on salads.
Chia seeds being rich in antioxidants, are considered to be beneficial for the skin as they protect the skin cells against damage caused by free radicals. Applying Chia seed oil improves skin health as it keeps the skin hydrated and prevents water loss.
According to Ayurveda, applying Chia seed oil along with coconut oil, apple cider vinegar and honey on the hair and scalp helps to control hair fall due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Chia seeds might also help in managing weight. Certain constituents such as omega 3-fatty acids and fibers present in Chia seeds plays a vital role in weight loss. Chia seeds might also help manage the levels of cholesterol due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and thereby reduce the risk of heart diseases[1][2][3][5][6][7].
Chia seeds being rich in antioxidants, are considered to be beneficial for the skin as they protect the skin cells against damage caused by free radicals. Applying Chia seed oil improves skin health as it keeps the skin hydrated and prevents water loss.
According to Ayurveda, applying Chia seed oil along with coconut oil, apple cider vinegar and honey on the hair and scalp helps to control hair fall due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Chia seeds might also help in managing weight. Certain constituents such as omega 3-fatty acids and fibers present in Chia seeds plays a vital role in weight loss. Chia seeds might also help manage the levels of cholesterol due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and thereby reduce the risk of heart diseases[1][2][3][5][6][7].
What are the synonyms of Chia seeds?
Salvia hispanica, Chia Beej
What is the source of Chia seeds?
Plant Based
Benefits of Chia seeds
Modern Science View
Chia seed oil may be useful in managing itching. It provides enough hydration to prevent itching associated with dryness. It also manages scars and lesions caused due to itching[2][7][12].
Ayurvedic View
Chia seed oil helps to reduce itching and remove excessive dryness. This is because excessive itching or dryness is due to an imbalance of Vata. Chia seeds have the property of Snigdha (oily) which helps to balance Vata and reduce itching associated with dryness.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon Chia seed oil.
2. Add coconut oil to it.
3. Gently apply to the affected area.
4. Leave it the whole day to control itching.
Tips:
1. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon Chia seed oil.
2. Add coconut oil to it.
3. Gently apply to the affected area.
4. Leave it the whole day to control itching.
How effective is Chia seeds?
Insufficient evidence
Itching
Precautions when using Chia seeds
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor before using Chia seeds for longer period[2].
Recommended Dosage of Chia seeds
- Chia seeds Oil - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Chia seeds Powder - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Chia seeds
1. Chia seeds hair mask
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Chia seeds in a bowl.
b. Soak them in 1 cup lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes until it starts to swell.
c. Strain the solution. You should get a gel-like consistency.
d. Now add coconut oil, apple cider vinegar and honey to it.
e. Combine all the ingredients well.
f. Use this on your hair and roots after shampooing of hair.
g. Rinse and enjoy your silky soft hair.
h. Store leftovers in small glass container and your whenever your feel like.
2. Chia seed Oil
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon chia seed oil
b. Add sesame oil to it.
c. Gently massage on the affected area.
d. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of joint pain and inflammation.
3. Chia seeds powder face mask
a. Take 1- 2 teaspoons of Chia seeds powder
b. Add coconut oil and lemon juice to it.
c. Make a paste and apply on the face for 5-7 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin infections and blemishes.
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Chia seeds in a bowl.
b. Soak them in 1 cup lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes until it starts to swell.
c. Strain the solution. You should get a gel-like consistency.
d. Now add coconut oil, apple cider vinegar and honey to it.
e. Combine all the ingredients well.
f. Use this on your hair and roots after shampooing of hair.
g. Rinse and enjoy your silky soft hair.
h. Store leftovers in small glass container and your whenever your feel like.
2. Chia seed Oil
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon chia seed oil
b. Add sesame oil to it.
c. Gently massage on the affected area.
d. Use this remedy once a day to get rid of joint pain and inflammation.
3. Chia seeds powder face mask
a. Take 1- 2 teaspoons of Chia seeds powder
b. Add coconut oil and lemon juice to it.
c. Make a paste and apply on the face for 5-7 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin infections and blemishes.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Chia seeds are high in fibre content. As a result, it may cause certain digestive problems. Thus it is advised not to take more than 3-4 teaspoons of Chia seeds in a day.
Modern Science View
1. Add it to juices and smoothies.
2. Sprinkle it over the salads.
3. Mix them with yoghurt or oatmeal.
2. Sprinkle it over the salads.
3. Mix them with yoghurt or oatmeal.
Modern Science View
Chia seeds need to be soaked to make it easily digestible and absorbed. This is because Chia seeds contains very high amount of fibres which may lead to some digestive problems.
Ayurvedic View
Chia seeds need to be soaked before eating. This is because soaking makes it Laghu (light to digest) and digestible as well as easily absorbed.
Modern Science View
Chia water can be made by the following method:
1. Take 2 cups of water in a jar and add 2 tablespoons of Chia seeds to it.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 tablespoon of honey to it.
3. Mix all the ingredients properly.
4. Allow the mixture to cool in the fridge for about 2-3 hours.
5. Chia water is ready.
1. Take 2 cups of water in a jar and add 2 tablespoons of Chia seeds to it.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1 tablespoon of honey to it.
3. Mix all the ingredients properly.
4. Allow the mixture to cool in the fridge for about 2-3 hours.
5. Chia water is ready.
References
- RASHED AR, GAZEM AK, CHANDRASHEKARIAH SA. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SALVIA HISPANICA (Chia) SEEDS: A REVIEW.Journal of Critical Reviews.2016.3(3): 63-67.
- WebMD.Chia: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Chicco AG, D'Alessandro ME, Hein GJ, et al.Dietary chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) rich in alpha-linolenic acid improves adiposity and normalises hypertriacylglycerolaemia and insulin resistance in dyslipaemic rats.Br J Nutr. 2009;101(1):41-50.
- Toscano LT, da Silva CS, Toscano LT, et al.Chia flour supplementation reduces blood pressure in hypertensive subjects.Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2014;69(4):392-8.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.