Chia seeds

Chia seeds are tiny but extremely nutritious. Just 2 tablespoons (30 grams) contain 10 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, and 138 calories ( They’re a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and some minerals essential for bone health, including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Chia seeds are also flavorless, making them easy to add to many foods and recipes. Here are 35 fun ways to eat chia seeds. Water isn’t the only liquid you can soak these seeds in. Add 1/4 cup (40 grams) of chia seeds to 4 cups (1 liter) of fruit juice and soak for 30 minutes to make a drink that’s full of This recipe gives you several servings of juice. Just make sure to keep your intake moderate, as fruit juice contains lots of sugar. You can make chia pudding as you would chia water. For a thicker, pudding-like texture, add more seeds and let the mixture soak longer. You can make this treat with juice or milk, including flavorings like vanilla and Chia pudding makes a delicious dish that can be eaten for breakfast or as a dessert. If you don’t like the seeds’ texture, try blending it to give it a smoother finish. Share on Pinterest Chia seeds can absorb 10 times their dry weight in water, which makes them a great substitute for pectin in jam. Pectin is quite bitter, so substituting pectin with chia seeds means that your jam won’t need a lot of added sugar to make it taste sweet. Better yet, chia jam is much easier to make than traditional jam. Try adding

Share on Pinterest The popularity of chia seeds ( Salvia hispanica) in Western diets has soared over the last several years. The tiny, nutrition-packed “superseeds” are now a staple in many health-conscious households. Thanks to their small size, mild taste, and versatility, it’s easy to incorporate chia seeds into your diet. According to the • calcium • iron • zinc • copper • manganese • niacin • magnesium Chia seeds may help control blood sugar. A randomized controlled trial published in determined that adding chia seeds to normal type 2 diabetes treatments improves cardiovascular disease risk and helps maintain good glucose and lipid control. No negative side effects were reported. According to Dr. Andrew Weil on his Chia seeds have a mild taste and take on the flavor of whatever food or beverage they are added to. When added to liquid, they plump up several times their size and form a gelatinous coating which is easy to swallow and digest. You may add chia seeds straight to products that have liquid, like juice or yogurt. There is no need to shy away from eating chia seeds because you’ve never prepared them. It’s easy to harness their health benefits throughout the day. 1. Smoothies A popular way to use chia seeds is in smoothies. A tablespoon or less of fresh seeds or chia gel is all you need to add texture and nutrients to your fruit and veggie smoothies. This decadent chocolate almond chia seed smoothie is surprisingly healthy. Almonds give it a punch of protein and...

Chia seeds ( Salvia hispanica), also called Salba chia or Mexican chia, are the edible seeds of a flowering plant from the mint family. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, the seeds have a long history. They were a vital crop in ancient Aztec and Mesoamerican cultures. The seeds had medicinal applications and made up an important part of the peoples’ diets. Today, chia grows commercially in many countries including Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Argentina, Australia, and the United States. The seeds are widely recognized as a nutrient-dense addition to healthy diets. Health Benefits Chia seeds are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants. Some of these antioxidants include: • Caffeic acid • Chlorogenic acid • Kaempferol • Quercetin These nutrients help provide many significant health benefits. Reduced Free Radicals Antioxidants found in chia seeds can help to fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals cause oxidative stress and cell damage. Eating foods rich in antioxidants may help to reduce your risk of developing many health issues associated with free radicals, including Better Heart Health Chia seeds contain quercetin, an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of developing several health conditions, including heart disease. The seeds are also high in fiber, which can help to lower high blood pressure and, in turn, reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Improved Blood Sugar Levels Chia seeds are high in fiber. Studies show that fiber may h...

Share on Pinterest Overview Remember those ch-ch-ch-chia commercials? Well, chia seeds have come a long way since the days of terracotta Chia “pets.” You’ve probably seen delicious-looking puddings and smoothies made with chia seeds popping up on your Instagram feed a lot recently. Chia seeds have even been called a superfood in recent years. Claims abound about the health benefits, including that they may help you lose weight. But can they really help shrink your waistline? Read on to find out. Chia is actually a member of the mint family and native to Mexico. Chia seeds are consumed like whole grains, but they’re a pseudo grain. That means they’re the carbohydrate-rich seeds of a nongrass plant. When chia seeds encounter liquid, they expand and form a thick gel. Chia seeds were said to be a staple of Aztec and Mayan diets, but were later banned because of their ritualistic religious use. Over the last century or so, they’ve enjoyed a minor following, but recently made a comeback on the market as a potential superfood. There are many assertions on the internet that chia seeds curb your appetite and promote weight loss. The running theory is that since chia seeds are filling and high in fiber, they keep you fuller longer. They may therefore help prevent overeating. Two tablespoons of Here’s the catch, though. Research doesn’t back the hype. There are few human studies on chia seeds and weight loss. A For the study, 90 overweight or obese adults consumed either a placebo or...

Dietary supplements are not regulated the way drugs are in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab.com, or NSF International, when possible. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, they are not necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, talking to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and checking in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications is important. • Active Ingredient(s): Omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, proteins, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, rosmarinic acid • Alternate Names(s): Chia seed, Salvia hispanica, S. hispanica, Mexican chia, salba chia • Legal Status: A food; legal in all U.S. states • Suggested Dose: May vary based on the specific dosage form, medical condition, and your nutrition needs • Safety Considerations: Possible side effects, medication interactions, and special considerations for use in children, pregnancy, and breastfeeding Uses of Chia Seeds Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. While there are some studies on chia seeds in humans, more studies with high-quality clinical trials are still necessary. For this reason, there are no guideli...

In decades past, the most popular uses for chia seeds were Now it’s most popular for being a superfood. So what are the advantages of eating them? Here are the twelve biggest advantages, as well as one completely gross and nasty side effect to watch out for. Chia benefits 1. Healthy nutrition facts These little guys prove that big things do come in small packages! 60 calories per tablespoon may sound high, but these seeds expand several times their size after they’re soaked in water. So you end up getting a lot more food (volume-wise) for that amount of calories. On an apples-to-apples basis, chia seeds have as much protein as pork sausage ( The label on the right is from Nutiva, which is probably the most widely sold brand in the US. But it doesn’t matter if you’re buying a name brand (e.g. Nutiva, Navitas Naturals, Spectrum Essentials) or one lesser known, such as a store or generic brand. Assuming you’re buying raw organic chia seeds, their nutritional profile will be the same regardless. Though take note I said organic! Why is this important? Because if that USDA certified organic seal is on there, it means it hasn’t been irradiated. You may be unaware how much food you eat is irradiated – the process of blasting your meats, fruits, and vegetables with the equivalent of up to 1 billion chest X-rays, before it reaches the supermarkets and restaurants. Why? Supposedly for “safety purposes” and extending shelf-life, since it kills the vegetable/fruit, and hence, stops its...

× This article is based on scientific evidence, written by Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood By Rachael Link, MS, RD December 9, 2022 Chia seeds are frequently featured as the star ingredient in many healthy eating recipes, ranging from baked goods to protein bars to smoothies and beyond. Why are chia seeds good for you? Apart from offering a pop of flavor and texture to your favorite foods, they also provide health perks, such as helping balance blood sugar and support heart health. Keep reading for a complete list of chia seeds benefits and potential side effects, as well as preparation instructions and simple ways to add them to your diet with some clever What Are Chia Seeds? Chia seeds (S alvia hispanica) are tiny Chia is typically easy to digest when prepared properly and can be a very versatile ingredient that works well in a variety of recipes. Plus, the seeds offer a long list of important nutrients, including: Ad • fiber • protein • manganese • calcium • antioxidants • Not only th...