You must have heard about chia seeds, especially if you follow the latest health trends. Even if not, you must have found them on the shelves of supermarkets or grocery stores. Wondered what these tiny seeds are? Why are people making so much buzz about them? Get answers to your questions right now, right here!
Chia seeds are black tiny seeds, that release nutty flavour in the mouth when crunched, and enhance the health quotient when mixed with other delicacies. You don’t have to be great at culinary skills for eating them; just follow some easy steps and have them!
Native to Mexico and Guatemala, chia seeds were used as a staple food, as the word chia itself translates to strength. However, European colonization declined the use of chia seeds which led to the diminishing of chia seeds uses. But the search for protein from plants in the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle ended with these magical seeds and from then there is no turning back! The regained fame continued to reach new heights as people started trying new recipes with these seeds to avail of the health benefits. If you don’t have time to search for different ways to eat chia seeds but are eager to try new recipes, then keep reading further!
What are the 10 Stimulating ways to Eat Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds do not stand top at the taste levels but have a mild nutty flavour. Due to this, they don’t make drastic changes to the recipes on adding. Just they get plumped when soaked in the liquid and form a gel-like substance that is easy to swallow. Let’s learn some stimulating options that will give answers to the question – of how to eat chia seeds in interesting ways.
1. SmoothiesAdding chia seeds to smoothies or shakes is the most popular way to eat chia seeds. Increase the nutrient profile of your fruit or veggie smoothies by adding one tablespoon of chia seeds.
2. PuddingChia pudding is one of the most-searched recipes on the internet that requires fewer ingredients and anyone can make it. The tapioca-like consistent can complete your breakfast or can be served as dessert. Mix and refrigerate the half cup of favourite milk with 2 tablespoons of chia seeds until it settles down into a pudding mixture.
3. Chia seeds in BakingChia seeds uses are not limited to just add-ons but they can be a good ingredient in the baking process. They keep good moisture and can be one of the most amazing vegetarian substitutes. It can be replaced with just 1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water.
4. A Healthy option for Mid-time Snack-GranolaIf you are looking out for healthy mid-time snacks then be a good picker and opt for chia seeds granola. Combined with dates, coconut oil, vanilla, and chia seeds, it is the best of what you can have any time. Level up this with any of your favourite chocolate/dry fruits/desiccated coconut.
5. Chia Seeds on SaladsSalads are healthy and are good options for weight management as they are a rich source of fibre. Increase the dose of fibre with chia seeds. These magical seeds blend well with salad dressings such as olive oils honey, and lemon juice. Adding one tablespoon of chia seeds is enough to have a good consistency. The more you add, the thicker the dressing.
6. Enjoy Chia Seeds in PopsiclesPopsicles are exciting at any phase of life; add a healthy twist by having chia seeds popsicles. Make popsicles from almond milk, chia seeds, and frozen blueberries and enjoy the blueberry popsicle that is healthy too!
7. Chia DrinksWhy waste money on packaged beverages that are unhealthy? Make your own health drink with chia seeds! Just add 2-3 tablespoons of them to 2 cups of plain or coconut water. Mix 1 cup of fruit juice or fresh fruit puree. Wait for the mixture to be thickened; stir and drink. If you are fond of Mexican cuisine, you can have Mexican lemonade that combines water/coconut water, lemon, sweetener, and chia seeds to refresh your mood.
8. Make a healthy Jam with Chia seedsIt may look weird to pair chia seeds with jams, but believe me, they are natural gel thickeners. So, you can have a healthy option to sugar-loaded traditional jam that too easily spreads on toast or muffin. Get it to drizzle over your yoghurt/hot cereal/ice cream and eat them without any guilt.
9. Alternative to BreadcrumbsChia seeds are a great alternative to breadcrumbs and can be a good binder. One can use just 1 to 2 tablespoons of these low-carb substitutes to make your healthy variant of recipes like pattice and pakodas.
10. Just Soak in the WaterIf you have lazy bones to try out the above recipes, then leave all of them and just put chia seeds in a glass of water and leave overnight. Gulp this gel-consistent liquid to avail the health benefits.
What benefits do we get from Chia Seeds?
Let’s first learn why one should purchase these pricy seeds, are they worth or it is just a marketing gimmick? Being exotic food, chia seeds are totally worth their price. Not only the price but the benefits we get from them, make them recommendable. Digging more to explore the chia seeds benefits and understanding what makes them such nutritious superfoods:
1. Bone Health Boosting FoodDo you know chia seeds are a rich source of calcium and which is more than most dairy products? One serving can fulfil 18% of your daily requirement. Also, other macronutrients like magnesium, zinc, and manganese may improve your bone and dental health.
2. Regulates Blood Sugar LevelsBalancing blood sugar levels is one of the major chia seeds uses that are attracting people to add them to their daily diet. The fibre contents in the seeds control the blood sugar and doesn’t allow it to get absorbed into the bloodstream which leads to stabilizing the sugar levels even after the meals.
3. Supports healthy Weight ManagementA higher volume of fibre content suppresses hunger cravings and also slows down the absorption of food so that you can feel fuller for a longer period of time. Also, the protein part plays a significant role in promoting chia seeds for weight loss or managing a healthy weight.
4. Reduce Chronic InflammationChronic inflammation can be the root of several diseases with not-so-severe symptoms. But, eating chia seeds every day may give you relief and can experience reduced inflammation.
If you are a health freak and a follower of different health trends, then chia seeds will not be a newbie for you! You will find them at every place you look, like blogs, supermarket shelves, packaged foods, and, furthermore number of beverages containing them. Understanding the benefits, you must have come to the conclusion of adding chia seeds to your daily diet. Go ahead and try out either the above-mentioned ways to include them in your daily diet chart or go experimental to invent your own way! But don’t forget to share with us!
