Is Chia Seed Good for Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health disease in which the sugar in a person's blood rises more than the usual level. In diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate sugar levels. There are several ways people with diabetes have to control their dietary habits while curing diabetes. The real question is chia seeds good for diabetics? Continue reading to know.

Chia seeds for diabetes

Chia seeds or Salvia Hispanica can also be Mexican chia or Salba Chia. These are defined as a form of edible seeds from a type of flowering plant originally belonging to the family of mint plants. Chia seeds are very nutritious and have a lot of uses in the medicine and health industry. Chia seeds mainly come from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, the US, Australia, etc. Chia seeds are utilised as antioxidants in diets. Know about diabetes treatment.

They are very advantageous for people with diabetes. The rich fibre content in chia seeds promotes healthy insulin resistance and helps in lowering the blood sugar levels of a person. Chia seeds reduce the chances of having metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes wonder if chia seeds are good for people with diabetes, and it’s agreed that they are.

Are chia seeds safe while pregnant?

Chia seeds are high in nutrients and are safe to ingest when pregnant or nursing. There are relatively few hazards, yet it is recommended that you take no more than 1 ounce of the seeds each day. Anybody who has questions or concerns about eating chia seeds should consult a dietician or a doctor.

What are the Benefits of chia seeds pregnancy?

We know you've been caring for your child while he or she was in your womb. Let's take a deeper look at how chia seeds might benefit you in several ways:

1) Digestion Aid

Constipation during pregnancy is not uncommon. Fiber-rich foods might help you have smooth bowel movements. Chia seeds have a significant fibre content, according to research. (They contain between 34 and 40 g of dietary fibre). As a result, taking them among other foods can undoubtedly assist with your pregnant constipation.

2) Assist in Calcium Buildup

It may occur to you that consuming a glass of milk will suffice to meet your calcium requirements. Why not try mixing chia seeds into your milk? Combining them with milk may increase the calcium advantages for you and your baby. Just 1000 mg will enough. It may help you feel stronger, lower your risk of pre-eclampsia throughout your pregnancy, and aid with the development of your baby's teeth and bones while he or she is still in your womb.

3) Chia Seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids

Omega 3 fatty acids not only serve to combat inflammation during pregnancy and protect your body from the dangers of heart disease, diabetes, and depression, but studies have also suggested that it aids in the proper brain development of the baby growing inside you. Fish high in Omega 3 fatty acids include salmon, oysters, sardines, shrimp, and various green vegetables. If you are allergic to some types of fish or vegetables, consuming chia seeds in modest amounts (5 grammes (g) of omega-3s4) daily may be a decent option for you.

4) Give You a Boost of Energy

While you're pregnant, you need healthy fats to help your baby develop, and chia seeds offer a balanced fat content.

5) Make You Feel Full For A Long Time

Throughout pregnancy, nausea and surging hormones might boost your appetite. Overeating not only makes you feel unwell, but it is also a quick method to acquire a few additional kilograms. Chia seeds may assist you in feeling full for an extended amount of time.

Side Effects of Chia Seeds During Pregnancy

According to the benefits listed above, it is safe to consume these seeds while pregnant. In certain circumstances, however, they may induce diarrhoea or stomach pain, as well as allergic responses.

To lessen the dangers, soak the chia seeds in water overnight and consume them the next day. Instead, you may mix them in your smoothies. Nonetheless, keep in mind that they should be used in moderation. 2 tablespoons each day is plenty.

Is Chia Seeds good for Diabetics?

Yes, chia seeds for diabetics are good. Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, and magnesium. All of these may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and diabetes complications.

Chia seeds benefits for diabetes

Chia seeds, which have several health advantages, are also a miracle meal for people with diabetes. It is useful to diabetics because of its high fibre content. Chia seeds' soluble fibres have been shown to help diabetic people reduce their glycemic reaction. Following are the benefits of chia seeds for diabetes:

1) Chia Seeds Include Antioxidants

Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, which help to safeguard our bodies by neutralising reactive molecules known as free radicals, which may harm cell structures. It should be mentioned that free radical damage accelerates ageing and can cause life-threatening disorders such as cancer.

Chia seeds include antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, which have heart and liver-protective properties as well as anticancer properties.

The chlorogenic acid included in chia seeds helps to lower blood pressure, while caffeic acid has anti-inflammatory qualities.

2) Chia Seeds Helps in Weight Loss

Chia seeds include fibre and protein, which may benefit persons attempting to reduce weight. One ounce (28 grammes) of chia seeds contains close to 10 grammes of dietary fibre, implying that these small seeds have a 35% fibre content by weight.

Also, the protein in chia seeds may lessen appetite and keep you satisfied for a long time.

3) Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk

Chia seeds, which are high in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, may lower your risk of heart disease. Chia seeds contain soluble fibre, which aids in the reduction of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. As a result, your risk of heart disease may be reduced. In addition, according to one research, chia seeds dramatically lower blood pressure in persons with hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

4) Chia Seeds Increase Bone Density

Chia seeds are high in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, all of which are necessary for bone health. It is suggested that you consume enough of these nutrients to maintain appropriate bone mineral density. As a consequence, incorporating chia seeds into your diet on a daily basis will enhance your bone health.

5) Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Because of its rich fiber content and other beneficial elements, chia seeds are also believed to aid with blood sugar management.

High blood sugar levels can pose serious problems for diabetic patients. Notably, Constant high fasting blood sugar levels are linked to an increased risk of various health issues, including heart disease.

6) Chia Seeds May Enhance Your Blood Lipid Profile

Because it is known to lower excessive cholesterol levels, these tiny little miracle seeds can do wonders for Type 2 diabetes people. High total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels are all risk factors for developing this illness.

Chia seeds contain 10 grammes of fibre per ounce (28 grammes), which is around 40% of the daily fibre recommendation. This fiber-rich superfood can help lower cholesterol and enhance heart health.

Moreover, Chia seeds are said to boost high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as "good" cholesterol. HDL aids in the removal of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, from the body.

7) Chia Seeds May Help to Prevent Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance develops when your body ceases to respond to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a major factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes.
When blood sugar levels remain high for a lengthy period of time, it develops. It also contributes to obesity, high blood pressure, and excessive cholesterol.

8) Blood Pressure is Reduced by Chia Seeds

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular illness, including stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. It is also reported that using Chia seed supplements might assist diabetics minimise vascular stiffness. Also, regular ingestion may result in a perceptible reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

How people with diabetes can include chia seeds in their diabetes diet?

Chia seeds are highly rich in fibre, which helps reduce sugar in the blood of a person. Chia seeds have anti-inflammatory properties inside them and are also low in carbs. They also assist the body in keeping a healthy weight. An essential factor to consider is can people with diabetes eat chia seeds, and the answer is yes. Here are some ways in which chia seeds can be consumed in the day-to-day diet of people with diabetes:

1) Salads 

Salads are a great way to intake all fibres and nutrients directly. Salads are green and very healthy. They aid in reducing the blood sugar levels of a person. Chia seeds can be put in a salad to increase fibre consumption. 

2) Oatmeal 

Oatmeal is considered one of the healthiest foods for people with diabetes. They are filled with protein. Consuming plain oatmeal is healthy, and chia seeds can be added to the meal to freshen it up. 

3) Yoghurt 

Putting chia seeds in one's daily yoghurt intake can spice it up. Chia seeds provide a nice crunchiness to the yoghurt and remove the monotony in daily consumption. A healthy way to make yoghurt more yummy is to eat fruits with it. Yoghurt is rich in protein content and thus, is very beneficial for people with diabetes. 

4) Chilla 

Chilla is a food item in shape similar to a pancake, made from whole wheat or besan. They are eaten as a snack or breakfast meal and are a flavoury delight. Chia seeds can be mixed with the besan paste before cooking it into a chilla. These seeds add to the yummy, crunchy flavour and are also healthy. Also read about can diabetes be cured.

5) Homemade crackers 

Homemade crackers are a delicious snack that is an easy go-to option for people with diabetes. Crackers at home are made with either whole grain or multigrain flour. These two substances are very healthy to consume and help reduce sugar levels in the blood and increase digestion and metabolism. 

The ways mentioned above of using chia seeds in the regular diet of people with diabetes answer the question that is chia seeds good for people with diabetes. There are many other ways of consuming chia seeds, such as thickening soup or gravy, thickening meatballs, making healthy puddings, etc. Chia seeds can also be utilized as a healthy egg substitute. Know about gestational diabetes treatment.

Are chia seeds good for gestational diabetes? Yes. Being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibres, and proteins provides various health benefits to women going through gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Chia seeds prevent constant hunger for women during their pregnancy. Read about how to reduce diabetes.

Bottomline

Chia seeds have so many health advantages to them. They are super beneficial for people with diabetes. Chia seeds are rich in various types of antioxidants. Some of the antioxidants present in chia seeds are caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, etc. These antioxidants help the body fight off radicals that build up inside it. The presence of radicals in the body increases the chances of getting heart disease, some types of cancer, etc. 

Chia seeds promote better health of the heart, and this is very prominent for people with diabetes. Chia seeds are nutritious and thus kill the doubt that are chia seeds good for people with diabetes. Chia seeds increase the body's resistance to insulin and also help in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels of the body. The fibre present in chia seeds is soluble and easily absorbs water, which makes them expand in the stomach of a person and fulfils any feeling of hunger felt by a person. Consuming chia seeds creates fullness in a person's stomach, and through this, the weight of a person is managed and even reduced effectively. 

Chia seeds improve the health and strength of the bones of a person because of the presence of so many nutrients in them. Many nutrients that are essential for bones, such as magnesium and phosphorus, are filled in chia seeds. Calcium is also important for healthy nerve functioning and the muscles and bones to function properly and is present in chia seeds. Also know can diabetes be reversed. Also read about how to prevent diabetes.

FAQs

Is there sugar in chia seeds?

Chia seeds are known to be super healthy and add several benefits to the diet and health of people. Especially for individuals diagnosed with diabetes, chia seeds are known to be some of the healthiest and most recommended options due to the plethora of nutrients they offer. 1 ounce of dried chia seeds is known to have 12 grams of carbs – out of which 10 grams come from fibers. Additionally, there are no traces of sugar in chia seeds making them safe to consume.

What are the side effects of chia seeds?

A moderate amount of chia seeds as per the recommendation of the doctors and dieticians is good for health. However, if eaten in excess, they can cause digestive issues and also weight gain. It would also be a good idea to get tested for any kind of allergies to these seeds before daily consumption. Since the seeds lower blood pressure, you can also be careful with that aspect. 

What is the best time to consume chia seeds?

Traditionally, there is no ‘best’ or particular time where chia seeds can be consumed. However, they can be highly beneficial if consumed in the morning during breakfast along with oatmeal or a smoothie. Since it boosts the process of digestion by improving bowel movement, chia seed consumption in the morning would be ideal. Lastly, it is also important for weight loss. Also know about ayurvedic medicine for diabetes.

Who should avoid chia seeds?

Chia seeds are known to aggravate bowel issues, constipation, and abdominal pain. In case you have a history of irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease, you can avoid chia seeds. Since they are also high in omega-3, they can cause the blood to thin and low BP as a result. People on blood thinners can avoid excessive use of chia. People who report allergies to chia should avoid it too.