You’ve most likely already heard about some of the many health benefits of Chia. These tiny seeds are loaded with protein & fibre, Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. They’re also a good source of magnesium, zinc, vitamin B4, potassium and antioxidants. Maybe you’ve added them to your diet in some of the many possible ways such as smoothies, puddings, breakfast cereals & bars. But have you ever tried Chia Seed Oil? It’s much less well known which is a little surprising considering they were originally cultivated for their oil.
Chia Seeds belong to the mint family, originating from the desert plant Salvia Hispanica grown in Mexico. So, they’re good at retaining water & moisture in difficult environments.
This characteristic makes the oil perfect for topical application.
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SKIN – The oil contains high levels of the antioxidants polyphenols and carotenoids, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetics which are used topically to prevent DNA damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as an anti-ageing treatment as well as to improve dry skin.
Chia seed oil can also be used to cleanse the skin as it helps to remove dirt from clogged pores and reduce inflammation hence acne or rashes. The fatty acids help to form a moisture barrier between your skin and the outside environment, minimizing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), which dehydrates the skin. About 68 percent of the oil in chia seeds is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in plant foods. ALA’s considered a “healing fat” so it’s particularly helpful for people who suffer from dry skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and also shows promise as a safe treatment for other skin disorders, like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It can also help to heal wounds.
Your skin absorbs water best after showering or bathing so this is the best time to apply chia seed oil. It helps to lock in moisture and therefore plump and hydrate the skin.
HAIR – Frizzy and dull hair is a result of lack of moisture. The fatty acids in the oil help to retain the moisture and hydrate your hair. It keeps hair shafts healthy and prevents breakages. For best results apply chia seed oil on wet hair and leave in for about 30 minutes before re-washing the hair with shampoo.
Chia Seed Oil has a mild nutty flavour and makes a delicious alternative to olive oil (which is much lower in omega-3). Adding it to your diet has many different health benefits. As it is highly nutritious and one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids, which can help to maintain healthy skin cell membranes and warding off the harmful effects of free radicals from the inside out. Other benefits include:
HEART & BRAIN HEALTH – The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seed oil can help to control the risk of heart disease and there’s also evidence to suggest that it helps to control cholesterol & weight and may even help to support brain health. These fatty acids have neuro-protective effects on the brain that lead to a reduced risk of stroke, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
ANTIINFLAMMATORY – Our modern lifestyle creates inflammation in our bodies and chronic inflammation can harm us in serious ways, such as in our joints. The Omega-3 fatty acids in Chia Seed oil act as a buffer to reduce inflammation in the joints.