Chia seeds
Seeds are an excellent source of essential micronutrients (like vitamins and minerals) that can help promote weight loss, energy levels, and a youthful appearance. Nanavati recommends "Adding a few tablespoons of seeds to your diet daily will give you all the amazing benefits these superfoods have to offer." And, Nanavati and Best agree that chia seeds aren't just a fad but are actually the best seed you could have every day for losing weight.
"If you're looking to lose weight, one of the best types of seeds for promoting weight loss is chia seeds," Nanavati raves. She also notes that this superfood is "packed with dietary fiber that helps control hunger, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation in the body." By eating chia seeds every day, you can stay fit and slim down over time.
Not only do chia seeds help you stay fuller longer (which is a major plus if you're trying to lose weight), but this nutrient-rich seed also provides an incredible boost to your metabolism. Nanavati points out that chia seeds "also contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that help boost metabolism, so you burn more calories and fat more quickly." Nice! Chia seeds are an especially good fat-burning topping for yogurts.
And, chia seeds aren't just known for their waist-slimming benefits (read on about a chia-seed-based drink that will take inches off your waist!)—they also serve many anti-aging benefits. Nanavati tells us that these little seeds pack in a ton of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules made by the process of oxidation during normal metabolism. So, antioxidants help protect skin cells from damage, aging, and may improve skin texture and provide a more youthful glow.
"Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help slow down the signs of aging by fighting off free radicals and protecting your cells from damage," Nanavati says. Best adds that chia seeds also provide a great amount of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are "known for a host of significant health benefits including heart health, joint health, and cognitive function," all of which are essential to your health as you grow older.
Overall, Best and Nanvarti agree that chia seeds are not only great for boosting your metabolism and losing weight but it also provides that added bonus of being antioxidant-rich to slow down signs of aging on the skin. So, next time you head to the grocery store, try adding this seed to your shopping bag! And, if you're not sure how to incorporate chia seeds into your diet, you can add them to your oatmeal, smoothies, yogurts, or salads. Of course, you should also try the ever-delicious chia seed pudding for a metabolism-boosting treat you can have every day and still lose weight.