All About Chia Seeds
Chia seeds have increased in popularity the last few years & the seeds are known for their excellent health benefits. BUT…what exactly is a chia seed, what are the benefits of consuming the seed & how do you eat them? Three very good questions that you should consider before incorporating chia seeds into your diet!
What are Chia Seeds?
A chia seed comes from the Salvia hispanics plant, which is in the same family as the mint plant. So if you were wondering, it is possible to grow your own! The seed was first discovered in the ancient Aztec diet, which means that the seed has actually been around for a long time. However, chia seeds are becoming increasingly popular because of the vast amount of research on their health benefits.
What are the health benefits of Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, playing a vital role in our heart health. Since omega-3s play such an important role & cannot be made by our bodies, it is critical that we consume these fats. They are only one of the many different Omega-3 sources available, but incorporating these seeds into our diet can be a step in the right direction! Additionally, they are great sources of fiber & protein, which allows them to be an alternative for common ingredients. For example, chia seeds can replace an egg within a recipe, which is a benefit for an individual that might suffer from an egg allergy. This replacement allows the individual to consume the product & receive an adequate amount of protein – all from a seed! Last but not least, these seeds are packed with minerals that help your body to function.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the nutritional and health benefits of chia seeds, check out this post from The Health Ambition.
How do you eat Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are very versatile, which allows you to incorporate the seeds into your diet in a number of ways. They can be eaten raw, added to a recipe or used as an alternative. Try them in every form! Here are a few recipes to give you a head start:
Kiwi Coconut Chia Popsicles – The Little Epicurean
Protein & Chia Seed Balls – Camp Makery
Strawberry Chia Seed Iced Green Tea – My Edible Mosaic
Peanut Butter Cup Chia Seed Pudding – Emilie Eats
Turmeric, Black Pepper, Chia Seed Brown Rice – The Kitchen Chopper
We hope that you now have a better idea of what chia seeds are and how you can use them. We would love to hear from you on how you incorporate them into your diet. Your inspiration is our inspiration!
