How Chia Seeds Could Prevent Heart Disease

According to Healthline, chia seeds have some key nutrients that could protect you from heart disease. These tiny black seeds can fight free radical damage because they contain the antioxidants quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. Chlorogenic acid in chia seeds can reduce blood pressure, and soluble fiber can lower your cholesterol. One ounce (28.35 grams) of chia seeds has 138 calories, nearly 10 grams of fiber, and almost 9 grams of fat, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Chia seeds also have 5 grams of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which helps your heart pump normally and might reduce blood clots, according to WebMD.

Thumb through a cookbook full of healthy recipes, and you'll probably find at least a few with chia seeds as an ingredient. These tiny little black seeds have become a staple ingredient for many health-conscious consumers as an excellent source of healthy fat, fiber, protein, and other nutrients. They come from a chia plant, also known as Salvia hispanica, and they contain several plant-based antioxidants that are thought to do everything from lowering the risk of heart disease to reducing cancer risk (per Healthline).

If you have been working on eating healthy superfoods, chances are you've been researching how to integrate seeds into your diet. Flaxseeds and chia seeds are two popular options that have been prevalent in smoothies, granola, and more. But is there a superior option health-wise, and what exactly are they?

While omega-3 fatty acids are found in several dietary sources, it may still be hard to get enough, especially if you're not a big fan of fish. That's where supplementation can help boost your daily intakes. In addition to ensuring you're taking the right amounts, research also suggests there may be an optimal time to pop your omega-3 supplement in order to better absorb the fatty acids. Interestingly, it all has to do with the timing of your meals and what those meal components are made of.

Omega-3 fatty acids, or Omega-3s, are often touted as the ultimate in healthy fats. There are plenty of Omega-3 supplements available on the market because the essential fat is critical for brain health and a happily functioning body, but you can get your Omega-3s from natural food sources, rather than out of a bottle.