Table of Content

• Chia Seeds Benefits for Skin

• Other Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

• Facts about Chia Seeds

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Chia seeds Benefits for Skin

Introduction

Chia seeds are obtained from Salvia hispanica, a native flowering plant of Mexico. Chia seeds being fibre-rich help in digestive processes, diabetes, heart health etc. Chia seeds also have Vitamin-B complex(thiamin, niacin), Vitamin A, Vitamin E and other unsaturated fats. Being rich in that many minerals and nutrients they have antioxidant, antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants capture the free radicals and dispose off them so that they don't cause damage to the body. High content of Antioxidants makes them a valuable seed to incorporate into a diet. Here are 15 benefits of chia seeds for skin.

Chia Seeds Benefits for Skin

1. Anti-ageing property

Being rich in Vitamin E (anti-aging), Vitamin A, and C, chia seeds help fight free radicals that are generated as part of normal physiology. Free radicals are unpaired electron species which can react with cells. Free radicals tend to cause damage to the skin and lead to dull and wrinkled skin. In the body, there must be a balance of free radical production and consumption of them by Antioxidants. Rich in these Vitamins which are the main antioxidants taken from food, makes consumption of chia seeds for the skin the best choice. Using chia seeds for skin benefits by delaying the damaging and ageing process of not just skin, They help delay the whole ageing process of the body.

2. Chia seeds for Acne

Acne often happens when hair follicles are clogged by oil and dead skin cells. There are other causes which include excess oil(sebum) production, infection by bacteria or other inflammatory processes. As discussed, they delay the ageing of cells, therefore the number of dead cells decreases and the chances of clogging a hair follicle also decrease. Omega -3 fatty acid present in chia seeds slows down bacterial growth and calms your skin from any inflammatory response giving you glowing and soothing skin, again making chia seeds for skin a perfectly fit addition in a healthy diet for skin benefits.

3. Keeps skin hydrated

Apart from genetic makeup which is a major cause of dehydrated skin, there can be other causes like not consuming essential oils(fatty acids) which keep skin flexible and moisturized. Essential oils(fatty acids) include linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. Chia seeds for skin can also be helpful in the way that it contains Vitamin F. Vitamin F has ω3 α-linolenic acid (ALA) and ω6 linoleic acid (LA), which are just essential fatty acids(oil) you need for healthy skin. Research has shown that 0.1% chia seed extract cream improves skin hydration. So you should include chia seeds for skin benefits in your diet.

4. Protects from itchy (pruritus) skin

Pruritus is the scientific word for itching. Itchy skin can have many possible causes but the main mechanism behind them is not properly understood by scientists. Although itchy skin can be in extreme cases suggestive of diabetes or Renal disease but generally they arise from dry skin, inflammation and allergic reaction etc. In Korean research, scientists showed that after 8 weeks of application of chia seed extract on the skin of diseased as well as healthy volunteers turned out to be beneficial, Reduction in pruritus, dryness and inflammation is seen. As more and more research shows their beneficial effect Chia seeds for skin use are capturing the eyes of the cosmetic industry.

5. Chia seeds for skin wounds

A skin wound happens when there is discontinuity or destruction of the epithelial(skin) layer of the body. Wound healing is an intricate process which involves remodelling of skin, reestablishing blood vessels and many more factors are involved. Use of chia seeds for skin, In many research shows that they improve remodelling and revascularization(blood vessel formation) processes so that these processes happen at a fast pace. Generally, Chia seeds oil is used for skin wounds. You should not use them in severe wounds, one should always consult his/her doctor for the severity and urgency of treatment.

6. Chia Seeds for Skin Glow

Chia seeds for skin glow, as discussed antioxidant and anti ageing property of chia seeds help in regarding tissue and reduce cell damage, it helps clear off dead skin and improves skin glow. Chia for skin conditions has a potential future for the cosmetic industry.

7. Chia seeds as face masks

Chia seeds protect from free radical damage, hence they can be used as a face mask. Using it as a face mask, soak the chia seeds, then after a few hours crush them and mix them well with oil and water until the soup thickens, wash your face and dry it and apply it on the full face for ten minutes and then wash it.

8. Chia seeds as skin coolant

The coolant effect of chia seeds is attributed to their hydrating capacity. Chia seeds vitamin F content helps in achieving this.

Research conducted has shown the effect of chia as oil, improves hydration and softens the skin. 

Other Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

1. Chia seeds are Fiber-rich

The Fiber-rich property of chia seeds makes them useful in heart disease as fibre can lower LDL(bad cholesterol). 

2. Chia seeds help in Losing Weight

Chia seeds soak in water for about 12 times their weight. When chia seeds are consumed in a diet, one tends to get a feeling of fullness as chia seeds absorb the water in the stomach and swell. Chia seeds reduce cravings for food and hunger. Chia has high fibre content since fibres are not digested by our body and they take up space in our stomach. It gives a feeling of fullness which can help reduce calorie intake and food cravings. This property can help in losing weight. 

3. Chia seed effect on Diabetes

Chia seed helps in fighting type 2 diabetes, which is the most common type of diabetes that occurs in adults. These seeds act as roughage which traps the extra glucose in the intestine and excretes it in faeces.

Animal studies have shown that chia seeds regulate blood sugar levels, but only a few studies have been done on humans although they have shown sugar regulation. Anyway, there is still research going on to unravel the health benefits of chia seeds, much to learn and much to explore. 

4. Protection from Cardiac Diseases

Omega-3 fatty acids present in chia seeds help control heart rate, and hypertension by blocking certain neuronal signals in the heart tissue.

5. Beneficial effect on the Immune System

Nutrients present in chia seeds help elevate antibody production in the body, researchers have found a direct relation between IgE antibody and chia seeds consumption and also no side effects when stopped consuming. IgE antibodies protect from allergic reactions.

6. Chia Seeds for Vegans

Chia seeds contain ample amounts of essential fatty acids. Vegans obtain most of their food from plant-based sources, so they have difficulty obtaining DHA and EPA fatty acids, and chia seeds have them covered.

7. Chia seeds for a healthy cognitive function

Most of the nutrients present in chia seeds are anti-inflammatory, and they reduce damage to neurons. Chia can also boost memory in the long run. 

Facts about Chia Seeds

• High vitamin content

• Fiber-rich

• More calcium content

• More iron content

Take-Home Points

• Chia seeds have high nutritional value and also fibre content, which makes them a promising edible seed to eat while dealing with skin conditions, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension etc. Chia seeds have antioxidant vitamins like A, C and vitamin E which are necessary for proper body function and to eradicate damaging free radicals.

• Using chia seeds for skin itching can be helpful as it has essential fatty acids to make soft and smooth skin. They can help fight acne and have anti-ageing properties. Antioxidants present in chia seeds make them useful in wound healing. They help in dealing with dry skin since they have essential unsaturated fatty acids. 

• Much more research is needed to be done for understanding the true therapeutic potential of chia seeds for skin and other health benefits. In case of severe dehydration, itching, acne of the skin or any health-related issues, one should seek medical help.