Chia Seed Research Paper

Chia seeds are an all-natural way to lose weight! “Chia” actually means “strength” in the Mayan language. The Mayan and Aztec people used chia in their diet to give them energy. In modern day, people are consuming chia seeds for their many health benefits. According to the authority nutrition website , chia seeds are full of protein, fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids and other micronutrients.

Chia seeds can help you lose weight over time! Chia seeds are a great source of fiber. According to the Livestrong website , chia seeds contain 11 grams of fiber for every ounce which, equals to forty percent of your daily fiber needs. Fiber helps to reduce your appetite and bloating. According to authority nutrition, fiber helps reduce your appetite by absorbing big amounts of water and expands in your stomach, making you feel full.
Authority nutrition recalls studies on glucomannan, which is a fiber that works similar to the fiber in chia seeds; it also absorbs water and expands in the stomach. The studies on glucomannan showed that it lead to weight loss.

So, chia seeds must also result in weight loss right? According to authority nutrition, “when effects of chia seeds on weight loss have been studied, the results have been rather disappointing”. In one study done there was a result where appetite was reduced but there was no substantial effect on body weight. A 12-week study on 90 overweight people who ate 50 grams of chia seeds a day showed no effect on body weight. A 10-week study on 62 women also showed no effect on body weight but did show an increase of Omega-3s in their blood.

Chia seeds contain fat. Healthy fats, that is. According to livestrong, chia seeds are a good source of healthy fats. Healthy fats are great for brain function and heart health. Even if you are trying to lose weight, eating 15 to 25 percent of your calories from healthy fats is