When you get down to naming all the benefits of chia seed oil (CSO), let alone chia seeds, the list seems almost too good to be true. A tiny but super seed that works on our hair, skin, heart, brain, metabolism一we could go on. Originating from the Mexican desert plant Salvica hispanica, chia seed oil is a great source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals like magnesium and zinc etc. According to a 2016 review published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, “chia seed is a potential source of antioxidants with the presence of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol which are believed to have cardiac, hepatic (liver) protective effects, anti-ageing and anti-carcinogenic characteristics”. So make sure to include this star ingredient in your pantry as well as self-care regimens.

 

Improves memory
The abundance of Omega-3 in CSO, especially the kind called alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA), is amazing for your brain health. In fact, a 2015 BioMed Research International paper has revealed that the neuroprotective properties of ALA can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, depression and other neurological disorders. “One major effect may be through an increase in mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a widely expressed protein in the brain that plays critical roles in neuronal maintenance, and learning and memory,” say authors Nicolas Blondeau et al.

Moisturises hair
A 2015 paper in the International Journal of Trichology explains that “excessive or repeated chemical treatment, grooming habits, and environmental exposure produce changes in hair texture and if extreme can result in hair breakage. These changes can be seen microscopically as “weathering” of the hair shaft and contributing to tangling, and frizzing”. Chia seed oil is a great natural supplement whose fatty acids penetrate the hair shaft and help retain moisture, prevent future breakage and add shine to your hair一resulting in soft, luscious locks. So, remember to condition your damp hair with CSO or a chia seed product.

 

Rejuvenates skin
Time to revamp your skincare routine because chia seeds’ benefits for skin are getting more and more cheers all around the world in recent years. By protecting your skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun as well as hydrating it, this carrier oil will make your skin look glowy, supple and younger. The healthy unsaturated fats in this seed acts as a terrific moisturiser for dry and itchy skin as well as repair breakouts. A study, mentioned above in the 2016 Journal of Food Science and Technology review, of chia oil products on five patients suffering from xerotic pruritus (a form of eczema towards the end-stage of kidney disease) and five healthy volunteers. By the end of 8 weeks, all patients displayed significant improvements in overall skin health.

 

Lowers cancer risk
One of the biggest plus points of chia oil is its antioxidant properties. The 2016 Journal of Food Science and Technology review says that “unrestrained free radicals in the human body leads to oxidative damage of animated organs and biochemical compounds”. Researchers found the phenolic content in chia to be 8.8 percent, which is an antioxidant compound that can delay or even prevent free radical mediated oxidation in our system.

Protects heart
Since our body cannot produce alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA) naturally, chia seed oil is an excellent dietary addition to obtain this Omega-3 fatty acid. Research suggests that ALA plays an important role in maintaining cardiovascular health一a study published in the Journal of Nutrition by Ingeborg A Brouwer et al concluded that those with an increased ALA intake reported fewer cases of heart failure. When eaten as a part of a balanced and well-rounded diet, “Omega-3 fatty acids have shown a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health (lowering cholesterol, regulating heart rhythms and blood pressure, preventing blood clots, decreasing inflammation),” as per the Harvard School of Public Health.