Are chia seeds good for you? Most people have heard of chia seeds, but when it comes to actually using them, most people arent sure how to use the superfood when cooking at home. You may have had chia seed pudding at your favorite healthy restaurant or seen fancy chia drinks at places like Whole Foods, but youre likely not making these foods on your own on a regular basis.
If you are wondering how to add chia seeds to your diet or to the meals you already eat, youll want some ideas that are accessible, easy, and dont require too many steps in the kitchenand luckily, there are plenty of ways to use chia seeds that dont require a huge effort.
Before jumping into what ways you can use chia seeds at home, you might be wondering why exactly you should be eating chia seeds in the first place. Chia seeds are called a superfood for a reason: They might be small, but they sure pack a punch when it comes to their nutritional content.
To start, chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants, which help prevent free radical damage. This can help fight issues such as aging or even cancer. Chia seeds are also high in dietary fiber. Just one serving of chia seeds (one ounce, or two tablespoons) contains 11 grams of fiber. This can help keep you full, improve your gut bacteria, and slow your absorption of food. But the benefits dont stop there.
In addition to its soluble fiber content, chia seeds are also rich in protein. They contain a good balance of essential amino acids, which makes them a great option for people who eat little-to-no animal protein. Finally, chia seeds are also high in the omega 3 fatty acid ALA.
Because they are high in all these nutrients, chia seeds can help improve your energy levels, improve your metabolic health, and may even contribute to weight loss. With all these health benefits, theres no reason you shouldnt be using chia seeds in your everyday meals.
If youre unsure how to use these little seeds in your cooking, scratch your head no longer. Here are some of the best ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet, whether youre a breakfast person, a savory food lover, or someone with an insatiable sweet tooth.
With all these health benefits, theres no reason you shouldnt be using chia seeds in your everyday meals. If youre unsure how to use these little seeds in your cooking, scratch your head no longer. Here are some of the best ways to incorporate chia seeds into your diet, whether youre a breakfast person, a savory food lover, or someone with an insatiable sweet tooth.
Youre missing out if you only add fruits and vegetables to your smoothies. You can toss in chia seeds with more extra nutrients, and since theyre neutral in flavor, you wont even be able to tell a difference in taste. Whether youre a fan of fruit smoothies, chocolate drinks, or green smoothies, add a tablespoon or two to your smoothies for an extra boost of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, which can be especially helpful in the morning if you want to start your day off with energy. This can help keep you satiated, and it wont add any extra time to your morning breakfast prep.
Chia seed pudding is one of the more popular ways to enjoy this superfood along with the chia seed nutrients, and thats because it has a unique flavor and texture, not to mention its super easy to prepare. Most chia seed puddings begin with a milk base and chia seeds, and you can use anything from regular milk to almond milk to any other nut or seed milk, depending on your dietary preferences. Just mix your chia seeds and milk of choice in a jar or bowl, refrigerate, and let sit overnight. In the morning, a thick and creamy pudding will be waiting for. When submerged in liquid, chia seeds expand and form a gummy-like texture, which is what makes this dish. Mix in your favorite additions like chocolate, berries, and nuts for added flavors.
Chia seeds can be used in more than just sweet dishes, they make an excellent addition to meals such as salads, rice bowls, or even stir-fries. You can sprinkle them on top of your salad, or you can mix them directly into your dressing. This can add a thickness to your dressing that enhances the texture of your salad.
The longer you let the dressing sit, the more liquid the chia seeds absorb, and the thicker your dressing will be. Adding chia seeds is also a great way to include some protein if you tend to make salads that are mostly filled with vegetables or plant protein.
There are plenty of ways to use chia seeds, and the options dont end here. Anytime you feel like you need a little garnish or an extra nutrient boost, try using chia seeds in whatever dish youre creating, and you might be surprised to find how often you can include chia seeds in many of your recipes.
Incorporating chia seeds into your diet can help improve many areas of your health, so the more ways you can discover to utilize this handy seed, the better off your body will be. Bob's Red Mill offers our very own Organic Chia Seeds you can purchase, as well as an Ultimate Guidebook to Chia Seeds.
