Not Just for Chia Pets Anymore…
While known for growing thin green grass on small clay figurines, chia seeds are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. Along with being fun to grow, these tiny seeds can improve your general health and are a pantry essential. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber and minerals, it is easier than you think to add chia seeds to your diet.
Breakfast
Morning smoothies and oatmeal just got more nutritious when you include chia seeds with your usual list of ingredients. A few tablespoons added on top of your cereal or in a delicious smoothie can help to improve your digestive health, along with ensuring that you get the full recommended daily amount of vitamin C.
These seeds are also high in calcium, which is another essential mineral you normally get during breakfast. For best results, let the seeds sit for a few minutes to absorb the surrounding liquid and enjoy feeling more energized and ready to face your day.
Lunch
These nutritious and versatile seeds can be easily added to your normal healthy lunch, and the nutty texture goes with almost anything you would normally eat. When mixed with peanut butter, you get the benefit of the additional protein plus healthy dietary fiber. Not only are the tiny seeds easier for you to digest, it can also improve your overall intestinal health.
Soups also taste better when flavored with chia seeds, and can be used as a substitute for corn starch. Not only will the seeds thicken the stock, you also get the added health benefits. Chia seeds are able to absorb 12 times its actual weight in water, which also makes it easier to digest.
Chia seeds can also be sprinkled on your salad for flavor and texture, along with helping to keep your digestive system healthy and strong. The healthy omega-3 fatty acids, along with magnesium and iron contained in these seeds will also give you the added energy boost you need to make it through your day.
Dinner
Chia seeds can also be added to almost any food you prepare for dinner. Recipes for breads can also be used to add the seeds to your diet, and the healthy nutrients can help to contract the negative effects of the starch. You can also use the seeds instead of flour when you are baking to make almost any dish nutritious and delicious.
Snacks
You can even make snack time healthy and delicious by including chia seeds. The essential nutrients found in the seeds are necessary for good digestive health, and adding them to your favorite low calorie snack can even help you stick to your weight loss plan. Non-dairy yogurt topped with chia seeds is a delicious and filling snack.
Drinks
Along with being used in nutritious smoothies, these fun seeds can also be used to make fresh lemonade and energy drinks. When a couple of tablespoons are added to lemonade you have a cool, refreshing beverage that is full of essential nutrients. The magnesium, iron, and protein found in the seeds can also be used to make an energy drink that is actually good for you. The natural vitamins and minerals will be easily absorbed by the body to give you a healthy boost of energy without putting undue stress on your heart.
It is easy to add chia seeds to almost any food or beverage, and the health benefits you get are simply amazing. Easy to digest, the seeds can improve your digestive health which in turn helps to benefit your entire body. Have more energy to do the things that you love, along with feeling and looking younger. Prized by the ancient Incas and Mayans for centuries, these tiny seeds can be easily added to your diet to improve your overall health. Check them out here.
Have any favorite chia seed recipes? Include them in the comments below!
Author Bio:
Ella James is an aspiring author who is pursuing Health Services Administration degree from St. Petersburg College. She is an active contributor to Consumer Health Digest, a leading health news website. She is dedicated to helping people achieve naturally healthy looking skin by giving advice on sensitive skin, aging skin, skin hyperpigmentation and more. Her interests include reading and writing about pregnancy, parenting, health, fitness, beauty and skin care. Get connected with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Lisa says
Nice article! Chia Seeds has many health profits. They help to maintain blood pressure and for lose weight. Thanks for sharing.
Harvey Lee says
Using chia seeds can provide amazing health benefits and these are best ways to use it. I will definitely try them. Thanks a lot for sharing.