There’s an alternative to chia seeds that are cheaper and have incredible effect on health
The nutritional powerhouses have got a rival
If your body is a temple but your bank account is barren, you might want to switch to this cheaper alternative to chia seeds.
These alternate seeds still pack a punch and you can use them in pretty much the exact same way, however they come with a few different health benefits.
We're of course talking about flaxseeds, which are the richest natural source of alpha linolenic acid, according to Harvard Health.
This means that they reduce the risk of heart disease by ensuring your ticker stays in tip top shape and the shiny, reddish or golden-brown seeds are brimming with this omega-3 fatty acid.
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They are also packed with a host of antioxidants and a B vitamin known as thiamine, which the NHS explains helps to turn food into energy and to keep the nervous system healthy.
Flaxseeds also have a high copper content, which is essential for brain development, immune health and iron metabolism, as well as them being rich in fibre.
The seeds also have a lot of lignans - which are plant contents known for their cancer-fighting properties - which help regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
On the other hand, chia seeds are most famous for being so-called nutritional powerhouses given that they're packed with fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Derived from the Salvia hispanica plant, these tiny black or white seeds can reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol, boost your mental health, reduce inflammation, support digestive health and aid in weight management, among a host of other things.
These are able to absorb up to 12 times their weight when exposed to a liquid, meaning you should soak them before consuming them - but thankfully, you don't have to bother doing that with flaxseeds.
As well as saving yourself a few minutes of food prep by being able to bypass the soaking step, you can also save a few quid by switching to flaxseeds.
These are generally cheaper to purchase, so they could be a great substitute for chia seeds for those on a budget.
According to Heathline, both of the seeds can help lower the risk of heart disease, lower blood sugar levels and improve digestion. But boffins say that flaxseeds just overtake chia seeds in a couple of departments.
Studies suggest that they could be more effective at reducing the risk of some cancers, as well as reducing hunger and appetite.
Ultimately, the experts concluded that 'the differences between the two seeds remain small'.
Healthline added: "Chia and flax seeds are very nutritious and offer similar benefits for heart health, blood sugar levels, and digestion.
"However, flax seeds appear to have a slight advantage, especially when it comes to reducing hunger and appetite and lowering the risk of certain cancers. Plus, they’re often less expensive."
Don't feel too bad on chia seeds though, as new research has just detailed just how powerful the impact eating them is.
Topics: Food And Drink, Lifestyle, Health
Olivia Burke