Chia seeds have recently gained popularity due to their numerous potential advantages, but how do they affect hormone levels? In this article, learn more.
The body is regulated by hormones, and when they are out of balance, various health issues can result. Some people may choose to use natural remedies to restore hormone balance, while others may find it necessary to steer clear of certain foods. But how do chia seeds and hormones interact? In the article that follows, we will learn the following:
What is the relationship between chia seeds and hormones?
In fact, chia seeds are not considered phytoestrogen-mimicking seeds, meaning that they do not have a direct effect on this hormone or on testosterone as well, like some other seeds, but despite that, these seeds have other properties that make them an auxiliary role in regulating some body hormones. The following is how chia seeds and hormones are related:
1. The effect of chia seeds on the hormone insulin
Chia seeds have a beneficial effect on the body's production of the hormone insulin. We provide the following explanations for this effect:
- Chia seeds help balance and regulate blood sugar, which helps diabetics. Additionally, it influences the body's hormone balance for the better.
- Chia seeds work to balance the body's hormones and increase the sensitivity of cells to the hormone insulin in addition to regulating blood sugar.
- Chia seeds help improve some of the symptoms associated with the metabolic syndrome, including lowering blood pressure and reducing sugar spikes, which are factors that greatly affect hormones in the body.
2. The effect of chia seeds on female hormones
Here are the possible effects of chia seeds:
- Chia seeds may be a healthy food that aids in hormone rebalancing because they are a good source of fibre, a number of vitamins, and omega-3s.
- Chia seeds are occasionally consumed along with other types of seeds at particular points during the menstrual cycle, in a practise known as the seed cycle, to help relieve premenstrual syndrome symptoms, irregular periods, and some menopause symptoms, but the effectiveness of this method is not established.
Other benefits of chia seeds
After learning more about the connection between chia seeds and hormones, we would like to list some of their additional potential advantages for overall body health, as follows:
- Chia seeds have these anti-inflammatory properties in addition to containing antioxidants that are good for the body.
- Chia seeds are used in the preparation of some beverages and foods to get rid of toxicity in the body (detoxification), and thus may help in maintaining the health of the liver.
- Chia seeds help reduce or maintain weight, as they are a rich source of fiber and protein. They are also a healthy and suitable snack for the body, as they help give a long feeling of satiety as well.
How to use chia seeds
You might be interested in using chia seeds now that you are aware of their connection to hormones. Since they don't have a distinct flavour on their own, chia seeds are actually one of the seeds that can be used in a variety of recipes. Among the ways to use chia seeds are the following:
- Some vegetarian recipes call for chia seeds instead of eggs.
- Chia seeds are used to boost the health benefits of juice or salad.
- Chia seeds, fruits, or other ingredients can be used to make a porridge by adding yoghurt or milk.
Side effects of chia seeds
After learning about the connection between chia seeds and hormones, we must discuss the potential negative effects of chia seeds. Here are a few of them:
- Chia seed allergies can be dangerous because they result in an allergic reaction in the body.
- Chia seed consumption in excess can have some negative effects on the digestive system.
- When taken by hypertensive patients, care must be taken due to the effect on blood pressure and its decrease.
- When taken by diabetics, caution should be taken due to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels.