We all are well aware of chia seeds and their health benefits; we use them in just about everything like smoothies, sweet dishes, soups, gravies etc. Ever thought of using chia seed oil? Chia seed oil has tremendous health benefits, even better than the chia seeds alone. This nutrient-rich oil is extracted by pressing thousands of pounds of these tiny chia seeds, to produce a super-rich, omega oil!
WHAT IS CHIA SEED OIL?
Like I mentioned, chia seed oil is extracted from chia seeds by pressing them. The oil is golden in colour and has a mild, nutty flavour.
BENEFITS AND USES:
IMPROVED FUNCTION OF BRAIN
Omega 3 fats found in chia seed oil helps promote new brain cell formation and reduce overall brain inflammation. This can help you prevent brain disorders like dementia and depression. Regular intake of chia seed oil supplements can also improve your mood swings, especially during PMS and memory too.
ACNE
Chia seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the inflammation of acne on skin and reduce redness. When applied on the skin, it has a soothing effect, thus being very good for alleviating irritation and acne blemishes. Besides, it also adds the much needed moisture to the skin which is good for all skin types. Use it as a facial oil for night treatment or add it in your DIY face masks.
ANTI AGING
Chia seed oil has antioxidants that can slow down aging process. Due to slowed down aging, wrinkles won’t develop soon and you will have tighter and smoother skin for long. Chia seed oil when used regularly without fail can keep your skin glowing and young for longer. Add few drops of this wonder oil in your night cream or simply use it a facial oil, you may mix it up with your anti-aging products as well.
READ MORE : HOW TO USE CHIA SEEDS FOR PERFECT SKIN.
HAIR GROWTH
Chia seed oil contains proteins that can facilitate hair growth. Zinc is essential to make hair strong and thicker and chia seed oil contains good amount of zinc. Regular usage of this oil can make hair thicker; reduce hair thinning, hair breakage and hair fall. Add few drops of this oil on your palm and smoothen it on your hair before styling. Mix it with coconut oil and castor oil to use it as an overnight hair treatment.
JOINT PAIN
As I mentioned earlier, chia seed oil has anti-inflammation properties. Joint pain is often associated with inflammation of joints and muscles around it. Perfect ratio of omega-3 to mega- 6 can help soothe joint pains and prevent it in the future. Mother ratio provides this perfect ratio of omega oils in chia seed oil and this can be used to effectively treat joint pain. Apply this oil regularly on the painful joints and massage. Also include this in your diet- mix little oil in your regular oil or take supplements after consulting your doctor.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
– Chia Seed oil is clinically proven to significantly increase skin hydration and reduce trans-epidermal water loss. This means chia seeds can keep your dry skin soft and supple. Since it is a non-greasy oil even oily skinned girls can use it.
– Chia seed oil can definitely be used as a cooking oil. It has higher smoke point than the regular oil and overheating can cause loss of nutrients from your food, so it is recommended to mix it with your regular cooking oil and then use.
– Always check out the labels before buying chia seed oil. Choose the one without any chemical ingredients like pesticides and herbicides. For this, you need to buy the ones that say ‘Organic’ and ‘Raw’. Always purchase the ones that are packaged in amber bottles.
**A WORD OF CAUTION: Always consult your family doctor before taking any kind of supplements, especially pregnant ladies.