May 29th, 2020

CHIA SEED OIL: A SUPER MOISTURIZING ROCK STAR

Chia Seeds and Oil

Sometimes you meet a oil that you just love, and loves you back, inside and out. Chia Seed Oil is one of those ingredient rock stars for which I just can't sing enough praises. On the inside, Chia Seeds are a super food that bring so many health benefits. On the skin, it's pure magic. It's moisturizing, soothing, softening, protective and anti-aging.

A BIT OF CHIA SEED HISTORY

Aztecs cultivated Chia Sage. It was a big part of their culture.

Chia's use  as a food source dates back to at least 3500 BC in South and Central America. Chia is a Mayan word meaning "strength".  It is believed that Chia seeds were used by Mayan messenger runners, who could carry in a small bag enough Chia seeds to feed and fortify themselves during long journeys, increasing their resistance.

The Aztecs used Chia as a medicine, using it to  stimulate saliva, relieve joint pain and soothe irritated skin. It was as important as corn, squash and beans  as a primary food source.

They ascribed their military prowess to the power of Chia in their diets. It was also used in their sacred and worldly ritual. Chia was given as sacrificial offering to the gods; extracted as tribute payments from conquered nations; and often used it as currency. Now, that's one valuable plant!

WHAT MAKES CHIA SEED SUCH A NUTRITIONAL SUPERSTAR?

Chia Seed Pudding from HelloFreshBlog

Chia is rich in essential fatty acids, specifically omega-3 and omega-6. They are 5 x richer in calcium than cow’s milk; extremely high in vitamin C, 7 x more than oranges; high in iron,  3 x higher than spinach.  Last but not least, chia seeds are also high in potassium, selenium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, E and B6. Not to mention fibre and protein. Added bonus: they are gluten-free. 

So with all that nutritional power, chia seeds promote the correct functioning of the heart, brain and immune system while helping blood circulation by exerting an anti-oxidant function. They benefit teeth and bones, help improve your mental acuity, keep blood sugar and pressure in check, and are quite filling, should you be on a diet. All that in a tiny little seed.

WHAT MAKES CHIA SEED OIL FOR FABULOUS FOR SKIN?

Once again, it's that Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid content that skin just soaks up. These fatty acids help maintain moisture levels in the skin which reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as relieving dryness and flaking. Chia seed oil can also help with issues like rosacea or eczema on the face. It leaves your skin feeling soothed, smooth, soft and replenished. This is wonderful for dry and sensitive skin.

Chia seed oil is also a great source of vitamin B3 and zinc, which helps with oily skin and clogged pores. It also can help take down the inflammation and irritation that comes with break-outs. 

It's also full of amazing antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, as well as myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol flavonoids, all of which protect your skin from environmental stressors. In fact, the antioxidants in chia seed oil have shown to be even stronger than vitamin C and vitamin E, two common and powerful antioxidants. This is exactly the kind of care normal skin needs to fight off signs of aging.

Put all of chia seed oils properties together—moisturizing, protection, and calming you have the perfect natural ingredient for maintaining your skin through all its changes. And that is why I chose to include it in all our Facial Oil blends.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE

I struggle with eczema and when i hit Peri-menopause 10 years ago, all hell broke loose. My skin became flaky and dry to the point of splitting. I experimented with different oil blends. And then I met Chia seed oil. It was love at first application. My skin felt so smooth, soft and soothed and I knew it had to go into my facial oil blend. I use Free Lion Facial Oils for Dry and Sensitive skin and it has really helped my skin adjust to all the hormone changes of menopause. The changes are all done now (this year I turn 57), and I find I rely on Facial Oils to maintain my skin health and happiness.
Sherazad Jamal

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