Diabetes, afflicting more than 2% of the population worldwide, is a chronic ailment characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. People detected with diabetes need to make certain dietary changes. Carbohydrates can make the blood sugar level rise faster than fibers, proteins or fats. Diabetics should cut back on excess carbohydrate intake and include more of proteins and fibers which can help to keep their blood sugar levels in check. Chia seeds is one such food item that is high in proteins, and low in fats and carbohydrates. These seeds are hydrophilic in nature, meaning they can absorb water many times their own weight. So when you consume chia seeds, they form a viscous gel, and this retards the processing of food in the body. This in turn regulates food absorption. It also slows down the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar, an essential factor concerning diabetes. Another added benefit of chia seeds is their ability to control insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone that transports the sugar (glucose) from the blood into the muscles and the liver where it can be utilized by the body as fuel. With the insulin level in check, the sudden spikes in glucose levels are evened out, stabilizing the metabolism. Since the release of sugar is now controlled, you feel fuller and energetic for a longer period of time, thereby reducing food cravings.
A majority of people who suffer from diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes, and it is more commonly seen in overweight people. Adding chia seeds to the diet is an excellent way to lose weight. Being rich in dietary fiber and with their tendency to retain water, they fill you up faster and suppress the appetite. Unlike other grains, even a small amount of chia seeds provides your body with enough fiber for a day. So including chia seeds is beneficial, especially for diabetics, as just eating a small quantity of fiber-rich food can help you lose the extra flab.
A lot of people suffering from diabetes also have high blood pressure and increase in cholesterol levels, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. Eating chia seeds provides your body with a healthy dose of alpha-linolenic acid, the heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acid found abundantly in them, which can improve cardiovascular health. This fatty acid also helps prevent the deposit of cholesterol and other fatty materials on the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis. Thus chia seeds lead to lesser amounts of fat accumulation in the body by keeping a check on the level of triglycerides and cholesterol. (more…)