Carpe Health

HealthIngredient 101Wellness

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are small but mighty. Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that originate from the Salvia Hispanica plant. You can add them to smoothies, yogurt, salads, rice, or pudding (chia seeds + coconut or almond milk) as a healthy addition. These very small seeds pack a large punch:

1. Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that can protect your skin from the sun and all its damaging effects, as well as reduce inflammation.

2. Because chia seeds are full of fiber, it helps reduce bloating while making you feel fuller. You won’t feel like eating as much after consuming chia seeds.

3. Chia seeds are high in protein, and have amino acids that aid in healthy hair, skin, and nails.

4. Chia seeds are high in nutrients that are amazing for bone health. If you don’t eat much dairy, chia seeds can be a good way to get your calcium.

Ingredient 101: A weekly column featuring nutritious ingredients that you can incorporate daily to help you live a healthy life and to #SeizeYourYouth. Tell us which ingredients keep you healthy on Twitter by tagging #CarpeHealth and @CarpeJuvenis.

Image: Carpe Juvenis

squash
HealthIngredient 101Wellness

squash

When it comes to healthy ingredients, we can’t say enough good things about butternut squash. Though it’s bizarre shape confused us at first, once we found a great recipe to use for this squash we were hooked. Peel it, chop it up into cubes, and mix it in with some olive oil, onions, and chicken stock, and voila! You’ve got yourself a hearty and healthy soup. Here are a few reasons why butternut squash is so great for you:

1. It’s filled with beta-carotene which turns into vitamin A (helps heal your skin, protects your eyes, and decreases UV sensitivity).

2. It is important for bone health and it helps your nervous and immune systems function properly because of the potassium and vitamin B6.

3. If you want healthy hair follicles and a hydrated scalp, butternut squash does just that because of the vitamin E, iron, and omega-3s.

4. Don’t toss the butternut squash seeds! They are an amazing source of tryptophan and dietary fiber. Roast them for a nutritious snack.

Ingredient 101: A weekly column featuring nutritious ingredients that you can incorporate daily to help you live a healthy life and to #SeizeYourYouth. Tell us which ingredients keep you healthy on Twitter by tagging #CarpeHealth and @CarpeJuvenis.

Image: Carpe Juvenis