If you’re a fellow health nut, you are probably familiar with chia seeds. If not, you might be scratching your head right about now and wondering if they have anything to do with the famous Chia Pets you had as a child.
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Don’t worry- I’m going to break it all down for you and clue you in to one of the most popular health trends of the moment.
For starters, chia seeds are tiny, naturally gluten-free seeds with a slightly nutty flavor. They are filled with omega-3 fatty acids (especially great for expectant mothers) and provide fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, niacin, and zinc.
Chia seeds can aid in weight loss because they help to prevent overeating and snacking by keeping you feeling full for a longer period of time.
Finally, they also regulate blood sugar and are rich in antioxidants which help to protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer.
So, what on earth can you actually do with chia seeds to reap their amazing benefits?
Well, here are some easy ways in which you can make chia seeds a part of your healthy lifestyle.
- Sprinkle dry chia seeds on your salads.
- Thicken soups, oatmeal, and smoothies by adding some chia seeds into the mix.
- Make chia pudding by adding 1/3 cup of chia seeds to 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and refrigerating overnight. Add some flavor by incorporating some stevia, raw honey, and/or cinnamon.
- Prepare some chia seed snack bars, whole wheat chia seed pancakes, or lemon chia seed muffins.
- Pick up one of those trendy chia seed-infused beverages from your local health food store, such as the ones by Mamma Chia.
Just be sure to check yourself out in the mirror after eating because those little seeds tend to get stuck in between the teeth. Take it from someone who has flashed a chia seed smile out in public one too many times!
