Wondering what a little black grain can do for your health and wellness? Hold on to your screens as this may be a slightly longer than normal explanation.
Chia seeds are magical grains with a multitude of health benefits. They help with satiety, promote weight- loss, digestion, and keep your skin healthy and young. You may no longer want to stack your cabinet with different products or super-foods as this one ingredient can transform just about any dish as well as your health.
These tiny black seeds are one of the healthiest super foods on the planet and a wonderful plant-based alternative to get your daily intake of nutrition. They contain a megaful of Omegas- impacting your brain and nervous system health. In fact, chia seeds are one of the best plant-based alternatives for protein and make for a delightful vegetarian post-workout meal. They are known to be originated from Central America and belong to the mint family (scientifically known as Salvia hispanica seeds). Loaded with anti oxidants, here’s what an ounce of chia seeds can offer:
- 11 grams of Fiber
- 4 grams of Protein
- 4 grams of fat
- 5 grams of omega-3s
- Calcium: 18% of the RDI
- Manganese: 30% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 30% of the RDI
- Phosphorus: 27% of the RDI
The list isn’t over yet. Chia seeds also contain zinc, vitamin B3, potassium, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2.
Studies indicate chia seeds have the following benefits for the body:
- The high fiber content slows down digestion and keeps you feeling full for a long time. You no longer feel the need to binge on mid-meal snacks.
- These fibers also lowers LDL cholesterol.
- As part of a plant rich diet, chia seeds can positively affect cholesterol, lipid levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and help with cardiovascular issues.
Chia seeds have a gelatin like texture and work best when mixed with water, juices, smoothies, or yogurt. They expand in water, that’s how they keep you feeling full for a long time. They don’t really have a taste of their own and can easily be added to a gamut of recipes, from shakes and mocktails to salads dressings. Here are 3 easy chia seed recipes. You can have these for breakfast, mid day snacking, or even post work-out. We’ve found the best and most efficient brand to use is Better Body’s – it comes in a huge jar with it’s own scoop, making the process mess free and manageable.
Chia Seed Pudding
What you need: 1 tsp honey, 1/4 cup coconut milk, and 1 tbsp chia seeds
Take coconut milk in a jar, add chia seeds and honey. Mix them all together and put them in the refrigerator. Top it up with any fruit you like and serve cold!
Courtesy Brittany from Bloglovin
Chocolate Banana Chia Seed Shake
What you need: 1 ripe banana, 1 tbsp almond butter, 2 tsp honey (or any other sweetener you prefer), 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 cup almond , milk, 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Take a bowl, whisk together the milk, cocoa, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the chia seeds and then refrigerate for 45 minutes to an hour (stirring once every 20 minutes so it doesn’t clump). Mash together the banana, almond butter, and honey. Garnish with nuts or grated chocolate!
Courtesy Emma Chapman from Bloglovin
Matcha and Wasabi Pea Chia-Seed Pudding
What you need: 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1/4 cup chia seeds, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp matcha, pinch sea salt, wasabi peas.
Place all the ingredients (except for the wasabi peas) in a bowl and mix until well combined. Let it set in fridge overnight (at least four hours). Top with wasabi peas.
Courtesy Bloglovin
For more recipes and ideas, please visit Better Body Chia’s Recipes, you’ll be surprised at the multitude of ideas that you can make with this super powerful food!
Chia seeds are like potatoes of the seed world. They can be added to several different combinations and recipes. You can experiment with seasonal fruits and top these treats with hazelnut, raisins, cardamom, or shredded coconut to add that extra flavor! Honey, stevia, sugar, or nutella, are all great options for adding sweetness.
Please Note: These tips are mere suggestions to help enhance your lifestyle. We do not provide professional expertise in the field and by no means expect the reader to take the above opinions and tips as professional advice.
