The Deal With Chia Seeds

These days I consume chia seeds somewhat frequently and I get a lot of: “What is that?” and “Why are you eating those?”  So I thought I would inform everyone about chia seeds. Here’s the deal - Chia seeds (yes that same plant used to make the famous chia pets back in the day) are from the mint family and grow abundantly in southern Mexico. They are little black seeds that should be soaked before being eaten (at least 10 minutes).  This turns their exterior gelatinous.  Besides that they add a fun texture pop to drinks or dishes...they also have plenty of beneficial factors for our health. Here are some

 

• Health Benefits of Chia Seeds:
• Good source of omega 3 fatty acids
• High in anti-oxidants
• Provide fiber, magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc
• Keep hunger at bay/appetite suppressant
• Helps to clean the intestines as they travel through them
• May help to control insulin resistance and high cholesterol¹
• Good for getting our fitness on because they are hydrophilic, so can help us stay hydrated for longer by absorbing water

 

Chia seeds are easy to add to many dishes including teas, kefir, smoothies or refreshing summer drinks such as a basil lemonade.  Or check out my recipe for chia seed pudding here!

¹Chicco, A. G., D’Alessandro, M. E., Hien, G. J., Olivia, M. E. & Lombardo, Y. B.  (2009).    Dietary chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) rich in α-linolenic acid improves adiposity and normalizes hypertriacylglycerolaemia and insulin resistance in dyslipaemic rats. British Journal of Nutrition, 101, 41-50

Chia Seed Pudding

1^1/2 cup milk of choice (I prefer coconut milk or almond milk)

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 tablespoon shredded coconut

½ cup frozen blueberries (also could use dried goji berries or any fresh fruit)

A touch of sweetener if desired (I use a few drops of stevia – could use maple syrup or agave syrup)

Place all ingredients in a blow and stir – let sit for 10-30 minutes so the chia seeds are able to gelatinize. Or prepare the night before the let sit in the refrigerator overnight so it’s ready right away!

Voilà! Easy healthy breakfast or snack served.

*If you're wondering about chia seeds, look at my write up on them here.