Mexican “Super Seeds” SLASH Blood Pressure
Sometimes, the BEST foods come in the smallest packages.
That’s certainly the case with a tiny Mexican SUPER seed whose popularity has recently shot through the roof.
Now, this potent little seed is in the spotlight again for its heart-health benefits, like slashing blood pressure and triglycerides.
If you haven’t jumped on the chia seed bandwagon yet, it’s time to hop on.
Chia seeds are the edible seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant, a member of the mint family.
They’re about the size of a poppy seed. But chia packs a whole lot of antioxidants, minerals, and fiber into their tiny, soft shells.
In fact, they’re also one of the BEST plant-based sources of omega-3s.
And just two tablespoons of the seeds provide nearly…
- 10 grams of fiber,
- 7 grams of protein,
- and 8.7 grams of fat.
Regularly eating them provides all sorts of health benefits, but the one I’ll focus on today is heart health.
A review and meta-analysis of over 12 randomized clinical trials found that eating a daily dose of about two tablespoons of chia seeds is associated with improvements in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Other studies show that chia can improve insulin resistance, glucose tolerance, blood lipids, and obesity.
It’s easy to make chia seeds a part of your regular diet. You can toss them into smoothies, sprinkle them on salads, or mix them into rice and other side dishes.
Prefer something with a touch of sweetness? Add a liquid like almond milk to the seeds, wait overnight, and top with your favorite fruit, nuts, or shaved coconut.
Delicious and a heart hero!
P.S. Get better blood pressure with a “Produce Prescription.”
SOURCE:
Nikpayam O, et al., “Effect of chia product supplement on anthropometric measures, blood pressure, glycemic-related parameters, lipid profile and inflammatory indicators: A systematic and meta-analysis.” J of Fun Foods; 110(2023). doi:10.1016/j.jff.2023.105867.
