Everything comes back into style, right? Just take a look at one of this season’s big Christmas novelty gifts: Chia Pets.
If you remember, these things were all the rage 30 to 40 years ago. The commercials featured that catchy phrase, “ch-ch-ch-CHIA!” And kids would sprinkle the seeds on a little terracotta animal, then watch it sprout green “fur.”
This year, they’ve upped the ante. You can get everything from a traditional “pet” to chia versions of celebrities ranging from “Weird” Al Yankovic all the way up to President Donald Trump or President-elect Joe Biden.
But I’ll let you in on a small secret. Those weird little chia seeds are absolutely wasted on those white elephant joke gifts.
The real magic isn’t what happens when a clay head sprouts green “hair.” It’s when you EAT the things. Or at least a certain KIND of them.
Because as it turns out, chia seeds are packed with a potent form of fiber that could help you gain quick control over rising blood sugar and, ultimately, diabetes.
Feel fuller longer with slowed digestion
There are two MAIN types of fiber…
- soluble
- insoluble
Both versions bring bunches of health benefits to the table. But one exciting study spotlighted how viscous soluble fiber like the kind you’ll find in chia seed could help balance blood sugar.
More on those potential diabetes benefits in just a moment. But first, let’s take a closer look at the very special fiber found in these once revered seeds.
You see, chia was once a staple of the mighty Aztec warriors. It was said to help sustain these fighters giving them the energy they needed to battle their enemies for hours on end.
These days chia may have been reduced to a funny jingle from a TV commercial. But there’s nothing funny about what happens when you consume these strangely named little seeds.
In fact, it’s borderline miraculous because the viscous fibers in the chia form a thick gel when mixed with water. And inside the body, that forces digestion to slow to a crawl. The result is a long-lasting feeling of fullness and a reduced appetite.
Your doc may dial back your diabetes drugs
But appetite control is only the start when it comes to chia benefits. Because when researchers sorted through the results from two dozen clinical trials focused on viscous fiber, something became crystal clear.
This fiber is a beast when it comes to wrestling blood sugar into submission.
If you’re battling diabetes, this stuff may even help you manage your illness with fewer meds. Diabetics taking viscous fiber supplements had impressively better blood sugar numbers than those who didn’t take them.
In fact, their blood sugar was in better shape no matter how you crunch the numbers…
- better blood sugar control
- lower hemoglobin-A1c (blood sugar average over three months)
- healthier fasting blood sugar
- improved insulin sensitivity
The fiber supplements potentially performed as well as, or better than, some diabetes drugs in lowering A1c levels.
For the FDA to agree to evaluate a diabetes medication, it has to lower A1c at least 0.3 percent. The vicious fiber supplements blew right past that minimum, reducing the blood sugar measurement by an average of 0.58.
Put more viscous fiber foods on YOUR diabetes menu
Most of us would benefit from eating more fiber-filled foods. After all, the typical Western diet is notoriously lacking in fiber.
But if you’re battling blood sugar issues or already have diabetes, it’s even more important to focus on fiber. Because increasing the viscous fiber in your diet could help you regain blood sugar control.
Other research has found folks with diabetes who eat more fiber live longer too. I recently wrote about that here.
In some cases, it may even help you dial back or eliminate drugs. So be sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar. And talk with your doctor so he can monitor any changes.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of viscous fiber. But they’re far from the only one. Other foods that are naturally rich in this potent fiber include…
- black beans
- asparagus
- Brussels sprouts
- oats
- flaxseed
There are also supplements available with this unique fiber, including psyllium, pectin, and guar gum. Reign in your rising blood sugar naturally, and beat diabetes by adding more viscous fiber to your diet, starting today.
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