I have been feeding my dogs Organic Chia Seeds, hydrated with cooled boiled water. Apparently a lot of studies have shown that Chia Seeds are very beneficial to humans and animals alike. I have been thinking if I should be giving my new pet rats them, too, and apparently it seems I've been getting some good reviews on it online.
Here are some of the results I found after researching if it is any good towards rats;
1. Control blood sugar. The unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber helps to slow the bodyâs conversion of food into sugar. Preliminary research shows that chia seeds could help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels and protect their hearts. Animal studies show that chia-rich diets lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol. The white-seeded variant of chia, called âSalbaâ also helped control blood sugar, in addition to maintaining blood pressure and C-reactive protein.
2. Protect the heart. Animal studies have indicated chiaâs potential to help preserve heart health. An animal study published in February 2012 found that chia seeds, as a source of the essential fatty acid âa-linolenic acid (ALA),â when fed to rats on a high-carb, high-fat diet, reduced cardiac and liver inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
3. Manage cholesterol. Early animal studies have also indicated that adding chia to the diet may help to normalize blood fats and cholesterol levels. In one study published in 2009, researchers fed rats a high-sugar diet for three months, then substituted chia seed for the source of fat in the diet from month 3-5 in half the animals. The dietary chia seeds prevented the onset of high lipids and fats in the blood, and helped to reduce abdominal fat.
4. Protect against cancer. Though few studies have been done, early animal research has suggested that chia may have a protective benefit against cancer. Research from Argentina, for example, showed that chia seeds inhibited growth and metastasis of tumors in rats.
5. Enhance energy. Because they are so nutrient-dense for their size, chia seeds make great energy foods for long runs, hikes, and other endurance efforts. The high protein content, along with the slow-burning combination of fibers, keeps you going for hours. In fact, according to a Bloomberg article, chia seeds have become the âstimulant of choiceâ among Wall Street investors and traders because theyâre healthier than coffee, cheaper and more legal than cocaine, and less juvenile than the 5-hour energy drink.
6. Regulate the digestive system. Chia has a reputation for helping to maintain and restore intstinal health, though so far it doesnât appear that there are any scientific studies on the subject. Most likely, it is because of the unique fiber content in the seeds that people are experiencing this benefit. In todayâs world of over-processed foods and white flour, rich sources of soluble and insoluble fiber are difficult to find. Chia seeds help to promote regularity, and is easily digested. It digests slowly, and helps keep the colon hydrated. Many patients swear by it for preventing diverticulitis (inflammation of the colon).
7. Boost brain power. Essential fatty acids are known to help maintain the funciton of brain cell membranes and neurotransmitters. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is used exclusively by the brain and nervous system. They also contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which has shown in studies to help relieve low-grade inflammation associated with clinical depression. Chia seeds are a powerhouse source of essential fatty acidsâa natural brain food.
Sounds like it will be very beneficial for rats like it did for my dogs and my whole family.
Your opinions?
Here are some of the results I found after researching if it is any good towards rats;
1. Control blood sugar. The unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber helps to slow the bodyâs conversion of food into sugar. Preliminary research shows that chia seeds could help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels and protect their hearts. Animal studies show that chia-rich diets lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol. The white-seeded variant of chia, called âSalbaâ also helped control blood sugar, in addition to maintaining blood pressure and C-reactive protein.
2. Protect the heart. Animal studies have indicated chiaâs potential to help preserve heart health. An animal study published in February 2012 found that chia seeds, as a source of the essential fatty acid âa-linolenic acid (ALA),â when fed to rats on a high-carb, high-fat diet, reduced cardiac and liver inflammation and improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
3. Manage cholesterol. Early animal studies have also indicated that adding chia to the diet may help to normalize blood fats and cholesterol levels. In one study published in 2009, researchers fed rats a high-sugar diet for three months, then substituted chia seed for the source of fat in the diet from month 3-5 in half the animals. The dietary chia seeds prevented the onset of high lipids and fats in the blood, and helped to reduce abdominal fat.
4. Protect against cancer. Though few studies have been done, early animal research has suggested that chia may have a protective benefit against cancer. Research from Argentina, for example, showed that chia seeds inhibited growth and metastasis of tumors in rats.
5. Enhance energy. Because they are so nutrient-dense for their size, chia seeds make great energy foods for long runs, hikes, and other endurance efforts. The high protein content, along with the slow-burning combination of fibers, keeps you going for hours. In fact, according to a Bloomberg article, chia seeds have become the âstimulant of choiceâ among Wall Street investors and traders because theyâre healthier than coffee, cheaper and more legal than cocaine, and less juvenile than the 5-hour energy drink.
6. Regulate the digestive system. Chia has a reputation for helping to maintain and restore intstinal health, though so far it doesnât appear that there are any scientific studies on the subject. Most likely, it is because of the unique fiber content in the seeds that people are experiencing this benefit. In todayâs world of over-processed foods and white flour, rich sources of soluble and insoluble fiber are difficult to find. Chia seeds help to promote regularity, and is easily digested. It digests slowly, and helps keep the colon hydrated. Many patients swear by it for preventing diverticulitis (inflammation of the colon).
7. Boost brain power. Essential fatty acids are known to help maintain the funciton of brain cell membranes and neurotransmitters. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is used exclusively by the brain and nervous system. They also contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which has shown in studies to help relieve low-grade inflammation associated with clinical depression. Chia seeds are a powerhouse source of essential fatty acidsâa natural brain food.
Sounds like it will be very beneficial for rats like it did for my dogs and my whole family.
Your opinions?
