What are the Benefits of Chia Seed Oil?
Chia Seeds have been "trending" in the health & wellness world for some time now - and for good reason. They contain large amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants. Nutritionists have been adamant that Chia Seeds are a food we should include in our diet, but did you know that you should include them in your skincare routine as well?
Chia Seed Oil Benefits:
+ High in omega-3 fats - 1 tbsp contains 7 grams of ALA (omega-3) fat – which is known to help restore the skin's moisture barrier.
+ High in antioxidants - 1 tbsp contains 10 times more antioxidants than blueberries!
+ Rich source of protein - 1 tbsp provides 4 grams of protein (same amount as an egg)
+ Good source of fiber - 1 tbsp contains 3 grams of fiber (same amount as an apple)
+Moisturizes the skin – rich in emollients which work to soften the skin and improve the skin barrier function
+Protects from free-radical damage – the strong antioxidant properties help protect the skin from oxidative damage due to environmental aggressors
+Increases skin hydration – helps hydrate the skin and decreases transepidermal water loss
The word "chia" means strength in Mayan Culture. The powerhouse seed certainly lives up to its name, considering chia has eight times the number of omegas than wild salmon and three times more antioxidants than blueberries. The vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) content of chia seeds is unusually high at over 8 mg per 100 g chia seeds. Vitamin B3 helps to soothe redness and eliminate breakouts. The zinc content of 15 grams of chia seeds is 0.7 mg. Zinc is critical for collagen production. In addition, it has healing properties that make it a vital element for tissue strength and repair.
While the seed itself gets all of the hype it deserves, you hear less about the oil that can be extracted from it.
At Maya Chia, we use a patented process called "supercritical extraction". The gentle, oxygen-free, solvent-free process results in oil with a total absence of chemical residues and impurities and one that most closely mirrors the plant's chemical profile.
Chia Seed Oil is a mainstay across our line at Maya Chia. However, if you are looking for a good product to start out with, you might consider the Supercritical Omega-3 Chia Face Oil which is 98% chia oil in its purest form. Other Supercritical products within the line are the Great Cleanse, the Revitalizer, and the Waterless Balm.