The Many Amazing Benefits of Chia Seeds

Ch-ch-ch chia! Does anyone remember that popular jingle from the 80s and 90s? Chia Pets were first introduced in the late 1970′s and became far more popular than I think anyone would have imagined. Chia Pets are used to sprout Chia seeds. Moistened Chia seeds are applied to the body of the Chia Pet and as the sprouts grow, they begin to resemble an animal’s fur or a person’s hair. Check out this Chia Pet that resembles Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty. Nothing screams duck calls and duck hunting like a man with a Chia sprout beard, right?

The Chia seeds that are responsible for Willie’s Chia Pet beard are again making their way into the news, this time because of their nutritional value and increasing popularity.

What Are Chia Seeds?

This is a good question. Chia seeds come from a plant that is typically grown in Mexico. Chia seeds are a concentrated food source that contain a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, antioxidants and calcium. Chia means strength and the Chia seed is often seen as an energy booster. It has a relatively mild flavor and is known for its many health benefits.

According to the Wellness Mama, “one tablespoon of Chia seeds has more calcium than a glass of milk, more omega-3s than salmon and more antioxidants than blueberries!” Chia Seeds are another one of nature’s true Superfoods!

Chia seeds have a gelatinous coating which may be helpful for type-2 diabetics. The seeds may help slow down digestion and may also help prevent spikes in blood sugar.

Chia seeds are also loaded with fiber! A one-ounce serving contains 11 grams of fiber, which is about 1/3 of the recommended daily intake for adults. Skip the fiber bars which are loaded with sugar and GMOs, and go for an ounce of Chia seeds instead!

Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to play a number of important roles within the body, including reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure. Omega-3s are also being studied to see how they impact conditions such as arthritis and depression. Chia seeds are full of omega-3 fatty acids and contain nearly 5 grams per 1oz serving. An ounce of Chia seeds per day can help ensure you’re receiving the proper amount of omega-3s.

Chia seeds are also full of calcium. One serving contains 18% of the recommended daily intake for calcium. We all know calcium is important for strong teeth, bones and for helping prevent osteoporosis.

Manganese is a nutrient that is often forgotten but is important none the less. Manganese helps your body use essential nutrients and keep your bones healthy. A single serving of Chia seeds contains 30% of the recommended intake for manganese. Starting to see a trend?

Chia seeds may also have an effect on blood pressure, especially in diabetics and are full of antioxidants that can help protect the body from free radicals, certain cancers and aging.

I could go on and on about the benefits of Chia seeds, but I think you have the gist of it. Another great benefit that the Chia seeds offer is that they are extremely versatile. I was surprised to learn some of the ways Chia seeds can be used. 

Chia Seed Uses

Chia seeds can be used as an egg substitute. To do so, use 1 tablespoon of finely ground chia seeds and 3 tablespoons of water per egg in a baked recipe.

In a healthy pudding. I’m slightly skeptical of this one because when I think pudding I expect a chocolate snack pack, but it’s worth giving it a try. This pudding uses the following recipe:

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1/2 cup Chia seeds
• 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon or more of sweetener (Stevia would make a great natural sweetener)
• Blend until smooth. Let sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes or until thickened.

As a thickener. Instead of using cornstarch or other thickening agents add a couple of tablespoons of Chia seeds until you reach the desired thickness.

Use them as a breakfast topper! Add them to the top of your cereal, oatmeal or yogurt for extra nutrition–you probably won’t even notice they’re there!

If you’re gluten-free you can also grind up Chia seeds to replace all-purpose flour for baking. You can also try Chia seed breading in your recipes.

Chia Seeds for Weight Loss?

There is some talk about Chia seeds being a great weight loss agent. The idea is that Chia seeds act like a sponge – they absorb sugar and can help stabilize the blood sugar. As I mentioned, these seeds are high in fiber and have a gelatinous coating so when placed in water or a liquid-like mixture (such as oatmeal) they do expand and absorb some of that water.

That said, Chia seeds are not a miracle food and while they are absorbed, they won’t absorb the extra 10 pounds you might be carrying around. They are, however, a great addition to a healthy diet and are a simple way to add omega-3s, antioxidants and fiber into your diet.

Now that you know all the benefits and uses of Chia Seeds be sure to check out Natural Healthy Concepts’ selection by clicking here! We have a great variety of products and offer free shipping on all orders in the U.S.

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Dislike Chia Seeds? Can't Stand Kombucha? Well, All is Not Lost.

Chia seeds in your pudding. Seaweed in your salad. Collard greens in your juice. To many health gurus, these sound like mouthwatering delicacies, while to others they can be overwhelming and downright disgusting. As a registered dietitian, I'm not sure if I've trained myself to love these eccentric foods or if I truly enjoy the taste. The fact is I do enjoy most of them. (Mostbeing the operative word). But this certainly doesn't mean that every new health food trend is for everyone. Even I can't stomach all of them (I'm lookin' at you kombucha).

The thing is, incorporating these foods into your diet is not only challenging but near paralyzing if you don't have a taste for them. So who says you have to? You don't! Don't like chia? The sun will still rise tomorrow. You shouldn't force yourself to chow down on something you hate just because it's the current "it" superfood. So if you just can't swallow these new health trends, we're giving you permission to skip them—guilt-free. Check out how you can still reap the benefits of these health-tastic foods while actually enjoying what you eat:

Cheat on Chia
It can't be denied that chia seeds are having a moment right now, and for good reason: These babies are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids and they're a great source of fiber. But if you don't care for these seeds or their gooey consistency, you're probably tired of hearing about it. Luckily, they aren't the only food with these health properties. A scrumptious salmon dinner with steamed broccoli or even a handful of walnuts gives you almost all of the same benefits as chia. So if you think these seeds are for the birds, you can stop pinching your nose to throw them back. Click here for more ways to sneak fiber into your diet.

Say No to Nori
The seaweed craze has been hitting hard and heavy among health-food lovers. This gem is loaded with iron and antioxidants, plus it has anti-inflammatory and antiviral benefits. But don't feel pressured to eat seaweed in order to achieve some sort of higher health status. Just swap it for some slightly less potent leafy greens like spinach for similar benefits. You can also add dried fruit (sans sugar) on top of your Greek yogurt to get a dose of these minerals without the aftertaste you hate.

Stop Guilt-Gulping Green Tea
It's easy to see why health gurus endorse this stuff. Green tea has a high content of antioxidants and catechins that do wonders when it comes to protecting your cells from oxidative stress. It also reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease and may boost metabolism. I recommend two cups per day. But if you find it bitter and unappetizing, you can swap it for white tea, which is still loaded with polyphenols but with a much softer taste. Plus, white tea is also being studied for the same metabolism-boosting benefits. If you're just not a tea person (hey, no judgment!), you can get many of the same benefits from dark red fruits like blackberries, red grapes, cherries, and raspberries. Ah, sweet success.

Pass on Wheat Grass
Green juices are all the rage, and wheat grass is pretty much a must-have ingredient. It's loaded with iron, calcium, amino acids and vitamins A, C and E. And while green juices are a stellar way to maximize your nutrient intake, you may not be into drinking your salads—and there's no shame in that. Just have the real deal, like a delicious kale salad with roasted red peppers, artichokes, sprouts, broccoli and maybe even some flaxseed for an added crunch. This super-healthy meal will pack a similar nutrient-dense punch. You can also try these delicious spinach smoothies you might actually enjoy.

Killer Kombucha.
And so we've reached...Kombucha, my dietary foe. No doubt this lively drink is loaded with probiotics that aide in immunity and digestion—it's just not something I can bring myself to digest! I'm not sure whether it's the taste, the slimy texture, the mother waiting for me at the bottom of the bottle, or all three. Personally, my probiotic powerhouses are fermented cabbage (sauerkraut), pickles, olives and kefir. I make an effort to get these foods in so I can reap the rewards without having to sip on this stuff.

Hey, it's always a good idea to try new things—especially nutrient-packed superfoods—but that doesn't mean you have to love everything. So if you're not particularly amped about chia seeds, just go ahead and skip them for something equally healthy that doesn't make you gag. We won't judge.

Source (Womans Health Mag)