Chia seeds went from houseplant fad to bonafide superfood in the course of just a few years! Most people know that chia seeds are great for their body, but did you know there are actually many skin benefits of chia seeds too? It’s true: chia seeds are excellent for your skin! When taken internally or applied externally, chai seeds work wonders for your skin!
TOP BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS FOR SKIN:
PROTEIN
The protein in chia seeds may not seem high, but it is extremely powerful. The protein in chia seeds helps maintain collagen in the skin. Collagen is made of amino acids from protein, so getting good sources of collagen into your diet is important for great skin, hair and nails.
MAGNESIUM
Chia contains more magnesium than almost all other plant foods except cacao, making it one of the best sources you can consume. It has so many healthy benefits, and in terms of your skin, it’s important for a few reasons. First, magnesium helps regulate your blood sugar, this helps keep your hormones healthy. Secondly, magnesium ensures your nervous system works properly, which keeps anxiety at bay, also helping to prevent uneven hormone levels that can lead to bad skin. Thirdly, magnesium helps increase your energy, which helps keep your blood flowing, helping to ensure your skin looks radiant, not pale and lifeless.
ZINC
Chia is rich in zinc, just to name one of the many minerals it is abundant in. Zinc is an important mineral that is thought of as a miracle anti-aging mineral. It helps fight acne too, as a major bonus. Zinc helps keep your skin looking taut and supple, while also combating inflammation.
OMEGA 3 FATS
Omega 3 fats are found in chia seeds, just like fish, but chia actually contains more omega 3 fats than salmon! Omega 3 fats combat acne, wrinkles, help promote smooth skin and also even keep your hair, nails and metabolism in good shape too! Omega 3 fats are also great for depression and your hormones. Keeping your hormones healthy is so important for your skin.
HERE ARE THE TOP WAYS TO USE CHIA SEEDS FOR PERFECT SKIN:
HYDRATING MASK
The egg whites will firm your skin, the yogurt will make it feel smoother, and the chia oil will hydrate!
How to use: Mix together two egg whites, 1 cup yogurt, and 1 tablespoon chia seed oil. Then, apply as a mask, leave on for 10 minutes, and rinse well.
GREEN SMOOTHIE
Regular consumption of this smoothie makes your skin glow and clears acne, spots and dark circles.
How to make: To make this smoothie, you need 1 cup almond milk or other non-dairy milk, 1 cup destemmed kale leaves or baby spinach, 1 large ripe frozen banana- chopped into chunks, 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter, 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed, Pinch of ground cinnamon, 1 scoop of your favourite protein powder, optional and 2 to 3 ice cubes. Add all ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
EXFOLIATING SCRUB
To make this scrub, you need ½ cup coconut oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsps chia seeds. Mix the ingredients together before applying to a damp face. Scrub gently for sometime. Allow the mixture to set for two minutes before using a wet washcloth to remove. Splash cold water on your face when you’ve finished.