Chia seeds may be small, but they’re incredibly rich in nutrients. A staple in the ancient Aztec and Maya diets, these seeds have been touted for their health benefits for centuries. The antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds may promote heart health, support strong bones, and improve blood sugar management.

Here are 6 health benefits of chia seeds:

1.Highly Nutritious: Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are highly nutritious. They’re packed with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients.

2.Loaded With Antioxidants: The specific antioxidants in chia seeds include chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. These may all have protective effects on your heart and liver, as well as anti-cancer properties.

3.May Support Weight Loss: Chia seeds are high in protein and fibre, both of which have been shown to aid weight loss. Though adding chia seeds to your diet is unlikely to cause weight loss on its own, it may be a useful addition to a balanced, nutritious diet if you’re trying to lose weight.

4.May Lower Your Risk Of Heart Disease: Consuming the omega-3 fatty acid in chia seeds known as ALA has also been linked to decreased heart disease risk. Still, studies specifically examining the connection between chia seeds and heart health have had inconclusive results.

5.Contain many important bone nutrients: Chia seeds are high in several nutrients that are important for bone health, including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. In addition, ALA in chia seeds may play a role in bone health.

6. Easy To Incorporate Into Your Diet: Chia seeds are incredibly easy to incorporate into your diet. They taste rather bland, so you can add them to pretty much anything. You don’t need to grind, cook, or otherwise prepare them, making them a handy addition to recipes.