Learn more about the health benefits of chia seeds, a powerful superfood that has been shown to promote weight loss, strengthen bones and reduce inflammation.
As many long-time EBF readers know, I LOVE eating chia seeds and think they are awesome. My sister texted me a few nights ago asking for more info about them, which made me realize I needed to write a full post on why I’m so obsessed. If you’re in the health and wellness space you’ve probably heard of chia seeds and know that they’re good for you, but maybe you don’t know why or how much you should be eating. So let’s get right into it.
Ch-ch-ch-chia! <– I had to do it! Yes, these tiny seeds are the same seeds used to grow those chia pets that were popular in the 80s-90s. Yes, you can still plant them and make yourself a little chia pet.
“Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows abundantly in southern Mexico. In pre-Columbian times they were a main component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and were the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors. I’ve read that one tablespoon was believed to sustain an individual for 24 hours. The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to stimulate saliva flow and to relieve joint pain and sore skin.” – Quoted from Dr.Weil
The flavor is very mild and almost non-existent. When they are combined with liquid they start to form a gel-like consistency, so if you were to eat them plain the gelling process will start in your mouth… not really ideal. They’re much better mixed in things like smoothies or oatmeal.
They’re a good source of:
How much chia should I eat daily?
For general purposes of health, nutrition and energy an adult would typically consume about 1-2 tbsp of chia seeds daily.
What are the nutritional facts?
1 Tablespoon of dry seeds have about 60 calories, 5 g of Fat, 6 g of Carbohydrate, 6 g of Fiber, 3 g of Protein
Where do you buy chia seeds?
I’ve found them at my local health food store (Ellwood Thompson’s) and at Whole Foods. They are becoming mainstream so most grocery stores now carry them. Check in the natural food section, in the bulk bins or with the supplements.
What brand do you buy?
Typically I try to buy chia seeds from the bulk bins because that’s where they are the cheapest but I’ll order them online occasionally as well.
So, how do you eat them?
So I’ve been using these chia seeds as I normally would by adding them to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, overnight oats, granola bars and baked goods (like protein bars). I love the little bit of crunch that they add, as well as the thick gel like consistency that forms when they’re combined with liquid. Chia seeds are much easier to use than flax seeds because you don’t have to grind them to make the “gel” or absorb the nutrients.
Have you tried chia seeds? What are your thoughts?
Leave a Comment
Love your vids seeed pudding recipe. Thank you!
WOO! I am so happy to hear that you are loving this recipe, Julie. Thank you!
Serving chia pudding at our lovely bed and breakfast always receives a delightful response. So many people have never tried it before and are pleasantly surprised at the simplicity and refreshing taste.I always make it the night before to allow the seed to fully absorb and expand, aiding digestion.
Ok I have never tried them but I’m eager to try them it sound like this a pray being answerto my weight problem. Thank you
I love ALL your recipes and your Instagram chats.
Thank you so much for sharing.
I live in Hermanus,South Africa.I was a Personal Trainer for 20 years and therefore very interested in healthy eating.
Your recipes are all fantastic and so do-able.
I am going to try your chia pudding today!Will send you feedback!
Have a great weekend!
I’m a big consumer of chia and flax seed which I put through a spice grinder, together with some baking soda, salt and one packet of sweetener. I add this to one beaten egg white and water and stir it together to sit before adding whole oat flour, whole barley flour and buckwheat flour. I bake this ball of dough on my George Foreman grill for about eight minutes and end up with a flat “breadlike thing” which smells and tastes great with natural crunchy peanut butter. Makes a nourishing and very satisfying breakfast!