The Health Benefits Of Chia Seeds

What are chia seeds?

Chia seeds are derived from the Salvia Hispanica L. plant, a member of the mint family. They are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds and contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium. Which is why they are known to be an energy booster!

What are their nutritional benefits?

Two tablespoons of chia seeds come out to be 140 calories with 4 grams of protein, 7 grams of unsaturated fat, and 11 grams of fiber. They also help you meet 18% of your recommended daily calcium. Chia seeds are also complete proteins, which means they have all 9 essential amino acids the body can't make on its own.

How can they be eaten?

Chia seeds don't really have any flavor, which makes them easy to add into a variety of dishes to reap the nutritional benefits. You can add them as toppings over yogurt, smoothies, oats, salads, and grain bowls or as an add-in for muffin and bread recipes. But remember, when combined with liquid, chia seeds absorb it and form a gel-like consistency. So start with just a tablespoon or two and see how it goes.