Chia seed is a relatively new crop in the country and it comes with many health benefits. According to Healthline, chia seed is a member of the mint family and native to Mexico. Chia seeds are consumed like whole grains, but they’re a pseudo grain. When chia seeds encounter liquid, they expand and form a thick gel. Leah Mfiteyesu a nutritionist and consultant based in Kigali says chia seeds come with many health benefits because it is rich in Omega 3 that helps the body in different ways. She breaks down the seven health benefits of chia seeds and why you should add it to your diet. Chia seed helps in preventing stroke “Omega-3 fatty acids help raise cholesterol, or what we call the ‘good’ cholesterol and this kind of cholesterol is the one that protects against heart attacks, heart diseases and stroke,” she said Chia seeds aid in child brain development Chia is rich in nutrients and this helps in a child’s development. “You can serve a spoon of chia seeds to your child every day for breakfast, maybe mix it with what they are having for breakfast and this will help in the development of their brain” she added. Chia seeds help in growth and strengthening of bones Eating chia seeds can tremendously help in the development of bones. Chia seeds contain manganese and calcium, which is what the bones need in order to grow especially in little children, but also keep the bones strong in adults. Chia seeds aid digestion Chia seed is rich in fibers and the role of fiber in our body is to keep the digestive system healthy or any digestive issues. “I always recommend my patients and clients chia seeds in curing issues like constipation and stomach pains associated with poor digestion,” she added. Chia seeds help weight loss Because of its high fiber content when consumed it helps a person on a diet to feel full for longer, which reduces the amount of food they eat and chia seeds are usually lower in calories which will not add more weight. Chia seeds are full of antioxidants Chia seeds are among what we call ‘super foods’, these are foods full of different nutrients and in a small quantity. And these include antioxidants which are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by environmental pressures, or other unstable molecules that the body can produce. Chia seeds are very easy to include in everything you eat Chia seeds are easy to consume, you can add them to pretty much anything, and they can be eaten raw, soaked in juice, added to porridge, and smoothies or added to baked goods. “You can also sprinkle them on top of cereal, yogurt, vegetables, or rice dishes, because of their ability to absorb both water and fat, they can be used to thicken sauces, adding the seeds to your meals will boost their nutritional value” she added. Chia seeds are relatively easy to find in any major grocery store in the country, they are black in color and they have a mild, nutty flavor and a bland taste, a kilogramm can be bought at 4,000 Rwandan Francs.
