Chia seeds are a unique product or a dummy of the Top 5 best manufacturers.

Every person dreams of preserving beauty and health for many years. Alas - bad ecology, constant stress, lack of sleep lead to the fact that the body is depleted. Perhaps no one can completely eliminate harmful factors. Special food, cosmetic procedures, relaxation techniques will come to the rescue. Today, all three ingredients include a unique product - chia seeds. From the article you will learn: which manufacturers are considered the best, how to choose a quality product, how to use this superfood correctly.

The magical product of the Maya tribe

Chia seeds come from southern Mexico. The priests of the Maya tribe were the first to appreciate and began to use the beneficial properties: the warriors, who regularly ate chia, were distinguished by special vigor, activity, and masculine strength. Chia seeds, or Spanish sage, can be black or white. The composition and properties are exactly the same, color differences depend on the climatic conditions of growth. The product is considered unique due to the ratio of the main components: 31% monounsaturated (most useful) fats, 16% vegetable proteins, 14% simple carbohydrates, 38% fiber. This is a real treasure trove of nutrients. Two teaspoons contain more:

• than in mackerel - omega-3;
• than in a cup of milk - calcium;
• than in buckwheat - magnesium;
• than spinach - iron;
• than in banana - potassium;
• than blueberries - antioxidants;
• than oatmeal - vitamins A, E, C, B1.

It is important to remember that 100 grams contains 520 kcal - so you should not get carried away with them.

The biological value of chia seeds per 100 g
Protein	16,5
Fats	30,7
Carbohydrates	42,1
Kcal	520
Water	6%
The content of vitamins in chia seeds per 100 g
IN 1	0.62 mg
AT 2	0.17 mg
AT 3	8.83 mg
FROM	1.6 mg
E	0.5 mg
Folates	49 μg
Chia seeds mineral content per 100 g
Calcium	631 mg
Magnesium	335 mg
Potassium	407 mg
Phosphorus	860 mg
Iron	7.72 mg
Sodium	16 mg
Zinc	4.58 mg
Selenium	55.2 μg

Chia seeds - a unique food complex

In addition to the fact that Spanish sage seeds are able to replace a complex of multivitamins, they have a number of properties beneficial to the body:

1. They stabilize the work of the digestive system: improve peristalsis, normalize the level of acidity, increase the absorption of nutrients, and accelerate the elimination of toxins.
2. They keep the feeling of fullness for a long time due to good swelling in the stomach.
3. Accelerate metabolic processes, promote weight loss.
4. Normalize cholesterol levels.
5. They improve the condition of teeth due to the optimal ratio of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus ions.
6. Normalize blood sugar levels
7. Improves the quality of skin and hair due to the content of omega-3 omega-6 fatty acids.
8. They are used as prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system, reduce blood pressure.

All pros and cons

As with any other product, there are a number of indications and contraindications for use:

Indications:

1. Overweight. This component will make the diet menu more saturated with useful substances, dull the feeling of hunger, help avoid unplanned unhealthy snacks, and accelerate metabolism. According to many nutritionists, the inclusion of a product in the diet will significantly increase its effectiveness, provided there is sufficient water intake.
2. Diabetes mellitus type 2. Spanish sage seeds help to normalize blood sugar levels, but this of course does not mean that you can completely abandon traditional therapy.
3. Hypertonic disease. Regular consumption of Chia lowers blood pressure, improves vascular tone, and normalizes cholesterol levels.
4. Dysbacteriosis. Maya seeds are natural antibiotics, they selectively act on pathogenic microflora, are effective in combination with prebiotics.
5. Bowel dysfunction. A wonderful helper in the fight against constipation. Due to the high fiber content, they stimulate motor skills, accelerate the elimination of toxins.
6. Gluten intolerance. Grains do not contain gluten, so they will be a good source of vitamins and minerals without harm to health.

Contraindications:

1. Allergic reactions. Unfortunately, no one is immune from this. Therefore, start taking a small amount in the morning. Monitor your body's reactions closely.
2. Low blood pressure.
3. A period of exacerbation of chronic diseases, especially of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. When taking anticoagulants.

Important! If you are taking any medication before including chia seeds in your diet - consult your doctor!

Can Chia be consumed during pregnancy?

Waiting for a baby is the most wonderful and exciting period in a woman's life. Of course, I want to use all the opportunities to give the crumbs necessary for the correct development. But it is better to use products that have passed clinical trials. For chia seeds, such an examination was not carried out, so no one knows how their consumption will affect the health of mothers and children. Better not to risk it.

Can Chia be consumed by children?

As an additional source of vitamins and minerals, the plant can be included in the children's diet starting from the age of three. Previously, this should not be done, since the product simply will not be absorbed, it will cause increased gas formation, painful sensations in the abdomen, and provoke allergies. From the age of three, you can gradually introduce a nutritional supplement, starting with a few grains. For a month or two, bring the daily intake to half a teaspoon per day. Teens can get no more than one teaspoon per day.

Where is it produced? Top 5 best manufacturers

Today, Spanish sage is grown in Mexico, Guatemala, Paraguay, Argentina. But American, Finnish, Chinese, Brazilian, Russian manufacturers are engaged in packaging and distribution. We present a rating of companies with a good reputation in the market:

Nutiva Organic

In fifth place is the American campaign Nutiva Organic, a well-known manufacturer of organic cosmetics and superfoods, on the market since 1999.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Earth circle organics

In fourth place, Northern California-based Earth Circle Organics

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Mamma chia

The third place in the rating belongs to Mamma Chia.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Rawsom

The second place is confidently taken by the Rawsom brand from Finland.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Navitas Organics

In the first place - organic seeds from Navitas Organics.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

ERA GREEN

ERA GREEN, a company from St. Petersburg, is confidently leading among Russian manufacturers.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

How to choose a quality product

The beneficial properties of a food additive depend on the quality of the raw materials. What to look for when choosing:

1. Documents. Regardless of the method of purchase, any seller must have certificates confirming the quality of the product.
2. Manufacturer country. Better not to buy products packaged in China. As a rule, the product is of poor quality, contains traces of pesticide use to increase shelf life.
3. Integrity of the packaging. Spanish sage grains require certain transportation conditions, so the bag should be tight, airtight, better multi-layered and moisture resistant, the applied text is clear, without erosion, the stickers should fit snugly to the base.
4. Shelf life. The wrapper must be marked with two numbers: production date and packaging date. The shelf life from the date of packaging is one year.
5. Coloring. Good quality seeds are slightly irregular brown-gray or white with a marbled pattern.
6. Shape and size: a quality product is distinguished by almost the same seed size and an even rounded shape.
7. Taste. Fresh, with a slight nutty flavor.
8. Smell. Is absent.

Where to buy the best risk-free product

Superfood is actively gaining popularity among vegetarians, healthy food lovers, and athletes. You can buy it in large supermarkets, pharmacies, specialized stores, via the Internet.

1. Large supermarkets tend to have supplement and health food departments. Some even have compartments for vegetarians. Look for chia seeds on these shelves. The advantage of such a purchase is that you can immediately assess the quality of the packaging and ask for accompanying documents. Minus - storage conditions may be violated, then some of the useful properties will remain in the store's warehouse.
2. Pharmacies are always very jealous of the quality of the goods sold, provide the necessary conditions for storage and transportation. The main disadvantage is the higher price compared to other options.
3. Specialty stores are the perfect place to shop for superfood. These can be eco shops, health food stores, or vegan outlets. Here you can get detailed advice from the seller, inspect the goods, documents. In addition, optimal storage conditions for the product are almost always created there.
4. Buying online is undoubtedly a convenient option. But this comes with certain risks. Therefore, try to purchase products on the official websites of companies or trusted servers, for example, iherb.com. Choose manufacturers who give a guarantee for the product, be sure to check it immediately upon receipt in the presence of a courier. Check out other consumer reviews to avoid disappointment.

How to store properly at home?

Chia seeds are very picky about storage conditions. In order for the product to retain all its useful properties, you need:

1. Use the original packaging only if there is a zip fastener, or transfer to an airtight jar.
2. Biologically active substances are destroyed in the light, therefore, the bag or jar should be in a closed cabinet, away from direct sunlight.
3. The optimum storage temperature is from +8 to +25 degrees.
4. Away from water sources. Increased importance is the chia's worst enemy. When moisture gets in, they quickly swell, lose some of their useful properties, and can become moldy.

How to eat chia seeds correctly

In order for the product to be able to fully reveal its useful properties, you need to follow simple rules. Firstly, immediately before use, it is imperative to wash the required amount in cool water. Do not store soaked or wet seeds, they will absorb water and deteriorate. Secondly, immediately after eating, you need to drink at least a glass of liquid. Otherwise, Chia will begin to take water from the body, which will lead to constipation. You can consume superfood:

1. Unchanged. The seeds have a light, subtle nutty flavor - an ideal addition to chicken dishes and salads. It goes well with low-fat yogurt or kefir.
2. Ground. The powder is added to ready-made meals or drinks.
3. In the form of mucous infusions. Crushed seeds are poured with liquids for 2-3 hours to release mucus.
4. Boiled. They make wonderful jelly and porridge. It should be borne in mind that some useful properties are lost during heat treatment.
5. Bakery products. Add the chopped version to the pancake, bun, muffin batter, or sprinkle the finished products on top instead of the sesame seeds.

important! the daily norm for an adult is 2 - 4 tablespoons

How to use for general health improvement? 3 healthy breakfast recipes

Chia seeds have a tonic and immunostimulating effect. According to doctors, to maintain health, the product is best consumed with breakfast. What seed-based dishes can you add to your breakfast?

1. Porridge: add 1 tablespoon of grains to 140 ml of boiling milk and cook for 1.5-2 minutes, add your favorite spices.
2. Cocktail: Take 250 ml of 1.5% kefir or yogurt, add 1 teaspoon of chia, leave in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Honey sandwich: Take 1 tablespoon of honey, mix with 1 teaspoon of ground seeds and spread the mixture on a slice of wholemeal rye bread.

Be sure to wash your meals with a glass of any drink. Have a nice breakfast!

How to use chia seeds for weight loss

Weight loss is a rather lengthy and laborious process. You need to follow a diet, exercise. In the fight against the constant feeling of hunger and extra pounds, Spanish sage seeds will help. In order to reduce portions 30 minutes before meals, drink a glass of chia jelly. To do this, pour 0.5 teaspoon of the crushed product with a glass of boiling water and let it brew for 15-20 minutes. You can also make a healthy smoothie to satisfy your hunger. To do this, pour a teaspoon of the food supplement with a glass of warm water. The swelling time is 10 minutes. In a blender, mix 100 ml of low-fat yogurt, your favorite berries, fruits (except for banana and grapes), add the swollen seeds. The smoothie is ready.

How to use for diabetes

Chia seeds contribute to the normalization of blood sugar, therefore they are recommended for use in type 2 diabetes mellitus as an additional support for the body. To do this, it is enough to grind 1 tablespoon of grains and divide into 4 equal shares. Add to cold or hot meals at each main meal.

Important! Chia seeds are not a substitute for drug therapy! Consult your doctor before use!

Chia seed beauty treatments at home

Phytocosmetology makes extensive use of the beneficial properties of Spanish sage to improve the quality of skin, nails, hair. Parts of the plant are filled with readily available biologically active substances and minerals. This allows you to create masks, gels, scrubs on their basis, suitable for different skin types. The main purpose of homemade Chia masks is moisturizing. Due to the special properties of the plant, the deep layers of the skin are saturated with moisture, retain it longer, thereby preventing dehydration. Regular use helps to even out complexion, improve tone and elasticity, and slow down the formation of fine wrinkles.

Cooking a face mask at home

To prepare the mask, you will need 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, pour 75 ml of hot water. Let the base cool, then whisk with a blender, adding two teaspoons of honey and olive oil. Before applying, be sure to thoroughly cleanse and moisturize the skin. Apply the mask, try to distribute the mass evenly. The duration of the active action is 20 minutes. Carefully remove what has not been absorbed by the paper towels, wash with cool water. The procedure should be repeated twice a week for a couple of months, then take a break.

Cooking a face scrub at home

A wonderful Chia scrub can be prepared to cleanse your skin. To do this, combine two tablespoons of seeds with a spoonful of freshly squeezed orange juice, add 125 milliliters of coconut oil. Let stand for a couple of minutes. Be sure to moisturize your face before using. Spread the scrub in a circular motion along the main massage lines. Leave it on for 5-6 minutes. Remove the scrub with a cotton swab.

Preparing a chia seed hair mask

The phytomask will help moisturize the hair, add shine, and protect it from the negative effects of dry air. In order to prepare a mask at home, pour 4 tablespoons of crushed grains with 500 ml of warm water. Use a blender, let it brew for 5-10 minutes. Then whisk again. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. Pour 50 ml of lemon juice into the resulting base, mix. Apply to clean, damp hair. The duration of the active action is 10 minutes. Wash off only with cool water.

Chia seeds are a unique product that will help preserve beauty and health for many years. If you have chronic diseases, consult your doctor and feel free to purchase the product at a pharmacy or on a specialized website. Don't forget to check the accompanying documents. Let the use of this superfood bring you only benefits and positive emotions.