I first learned about chia seeds when I read the book “Born To Run” almost 10 years ago. The Tarahumara Indians used the seeds in a cocktail that allowed what seemed like superhuman strength and endurance. So how could you not want to try, right?

Not knowing too much about the nutritional qualities of this seed back then, I started adding a couple of tablespoons to my morning routine and never stopped. As I transitioned my career into the health and fitness industry by becoming a certified personal trainer and nutritional counselor, I began to appreciate the incredible benefits of incorporating it into my daily eating routine.

Here are some reasons why you should add chia seeds to your daily routine:

1. Helps you lose weight:

Chia seeds can help you lose weight in different ways. The first is that the incredible amount of fiber in a chia seed absorbs tons of water and expands the stomach. This makes you feel full. When you feel full, you stop eating. In addition, they are rich in protein, which helps to fill you up and reduce your hunger response. The result? Eat less food, shrink your stomach, and lose weight. Since most of your weight gain is the result of “overeating,” they can help you lose weight. The second is that chia seeds slow down the absorption of food, helping you lose weight.

2. Helps prevent cancer:

Chia seeds have a high amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage molecules in cells and contribute significantly to diseases such as cancer. Molecular damage caused by free radicals also accelerates the aging process.

3. Reduce the risk of heart disease:

Chia seeds have been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. By lowering LDL cholesterol, you reduce the chance of this slimy substance building up on the walls of your arteries, allowing for better blood flow. HDL cholesterol is like a guy in a hazmat suit that removes the sticky toxic LDL substance from your arteries. So you’re not just reducing the bad stuff, you’re driving the good stuff. All of this adds up to better heart health.

They are better absorbed when added to food during preparation. If you start your day with a morning smoothie, add a scoop with the mixture. If you like to cook some oatmeal, add a tablespoon while cooking. Sprinkle them on salads, add to your cold drink after a workout, add to sauces. The possibilities are endless.

Chia seeds The best way to buy chia seeds is in bulk. You pay a fortune for the little seed when you buy it at a store like Whole Foods. Try Costco or Amazon and buy a large bag. This way you will save a lot of money, which will allow you to eat them every day.

A word of caution about chia seeds: When cooking with the seed, as in oatmeal and sauces, be sure not to allow any seeds to escape down the drain. You see, the seed will basically sprout and grow ANYWHERE, like in your trap in your drain pipe. One day, I turned on the tap in my sink and discovered that the drain was totally clogged. I called the plumber and he snaked the pipe. What do you think he found? Yeah. There was a gig ole Chia Pet growing up my drain.

Start enjoying the health benefits of chia seeds today. you will be happy you did.