Let’s be honest. Chia seeds are one of the strangest health trends as of late. I mean, did anyone else instantly think of this trend from days of old?
That was the 90’s. Today, chia seeds are back with a vengeance, but in a whole new way.
what are chia seeds?
According to WebMD,
Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, grown in Mexico dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. “Chia” means strength, and folklore has it that these cultures used the tiny black and white seeds as an energy booster. That makes sense, as chia seeds are a concentrated food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium.
health benefits of chia seeds.
Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds (unlike flaxseeds). One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals.
Michael Roizen, MD, and Mehmet Oz, MD, recommend two daily doses [of chia seeds], each consisting of 20 grams (a little less than 2 tablespoons) of chia seeds. The authors [of You Staying Young] also note that the antioxidant activity of chia seeds is higher than any whole food, even blueberries.
Chia seeds are said to have two times the protein of any other seed or grain; five times the calcium of milk — plus boron, which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones; twice the potassium of bananas; three times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries; three times more iron than spinach and copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids.
They are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form (source).
Furthermore, it has been found that chia seeds help to slow the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and convert them into sugar in our bodies (source).
where to find chia seeds.
Chia seeds can be found at most natural health foods stores, including Whole Foods. It is also available to buy online from sources such as:
how to eat chia seeds.
Chia seeds can be added to almost any food as they have a very mild, nutty flavor. Not only do chia seeds add healthy nutrients, but they also expand and add volume to foods. When added to liquid, chia seeds form a gel-like consistency, which can be used as a thickening agent. Some of my favorite ways to eat chia seeds are in:
oatmeal.
overnight oats.
Green Monsters:
pancakes:
loaded yogurt:
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any drawbacks of chia seeds?
Chia seeds have been touted as an aid to weight loss, but studies have shown that that might not be the case. Instead of viewing chia seeds as a supplement, they should be used a food to add healthy nutrients and antioxidants to your diet.
Furthermore, it is cautioned that if you have food allergies (especially to sesame or mustard seeds) or are on high blood pressure medications or blood thinners, you should ask your health care provider before adding chia to your diet.
my take.
I’ve made it no secret that when it comes to healthy living, I take a pretty realistic approach. So, to me, at first chia seeds were just straight up weird.
But after learning about the health benefits of chia seeds and adding them into my diet, I’ve found that they’re not so strange after all. I’ve noticed that adding chia seeds to food does seem to leave me feeling fuller longer, and also with more energy. And, with such great nutritional stats, why wouldn’t you give chia seeds a try?
- Have you tried chia seeds? What’s your favorite way to eat them?
- Have you noticed any difference in your health since eating chia seeds?
I love chia seeds!! Since I don’t use yogurt in my overnight oats, I always add chia seeds to give them a thicker texture than my usual banana and almond milk combo. They definitely help keep you full, though I don’t think they’re quite the “miracle food” a lot of websites claim them to be! Definitely a healthy supplement though!
It took me a long time before I finally realized that Chia pets and Chia seeds are one in the same… and I agree… WEIRD!
I haven’t gotten them yet, but I see them everywhere and plan to… thanks for the recipe ideas!
I have never tried Chia seeds but I want to! This post has some great ideas (to persuade my mom to buy them for me) on what to use them in. Haha! I love your TT posts.
-Erika
I want to try them so badly but they are SO expensive! I can’t find them in bulk here. It would be great to get a small amount to see if I want to go and pay all that money for a full bag.
I love chia seeds. I can’t have oatmeal without them now. I’m so used to them I never think of them as weird anymore.
I’ve never tried Chia Seeds. We don’t have any health food stores here in the middle of nowhere! lol They definitely look interest but I agree - they’re a littler wierd that chia pets and chia seeds are one in the same!
are they crunchy?
I started eating chia seeds about a month ago and now I add them to my yogurt and sometimes oatmeal. I like how full I feel after eating them and I love that I am putting pure goodness into my body!!! I follow Tosca Reno’s EAT CLEAN diet and she recommends Chia seeds as one of the super power antioxidants to include in your diet along with flaxseed-and I’m all about the antioxidants! The only thing I don’t like is that they always get stuck in your teeth, so I definitely wouldn’t eat these before a presentation or date!
I haven’t tried them and honestly I really don’t want to. I don’t need another thing on my grocery list that I must have!
I loved reading about it though!
I think I have a Chia sample somewhere in my pantry, but I’ve never tried them. I need to get on that!
I actually love chia seeds because I love texture in my food!
I’ve always wondered what Chai Seeds are, I follow healthy living blogs for a while now, I always thought they were aimed at the health or exericse guru’s but now reading about them, I am tempted to actually try them. I’m a bit afraid though at how to use them, I’m too fussy for my own good, I might try them in a smoothie!
I don’t enough chia seeds to notice any health benefits because they’re too expensive to be eating a couple tablespoons at a time. However, I love them as a thickening agent in oatmeal and overnight oats. It’s especially great if I accidently add too much liquid to one of these, I just stir in some seeds and let it sit a few minutes!
It’s funny how people can be critical when it comes to new or unusual things. My dad laughed at the thought of me eating a chia pet! And when I told the nutritionist I work with I could NOT convince her that they are real benefits, she told me they are a scam. I still love them and know that they are full of good nutrients
Thanks for this post! I keep seeing Chia seeds pop up on blogs and have been very curious…Next time I’m grocery shopping I’ll look for them
I love chia seeds. I found their texture to be pretty inviting and I love to add them to my overnight oats. Mmm…
This is one trend I have been meaning to try, honestly. It took me forever to try Quinoa, so I have faith I’ll like the little ch-ch-chia.
And chia seeds would be one of those things from blog world I now have no interest in trying. I am a big texture eater and something that can turn slimy makes me want to gag. LOL
I love when they get ooey and gooey in my oats!
I’ve eaten chia seeds in corn chips, but that’s about it. I can see how they’re healthy, but I’m not sure they’re any better health-wise than, say, flaxseeds. I did a PubMed search for studies on chia seeds and, really, the research is anemic at best. I probably won’t start eating them in mass quantities until there’s real research to back it up. Because I’m cheap.
Chia seeds are EVERYWHERE in the blogosphere right now. I like them and would eat them more regularly if it wasn’t for the darn price.
Oh yes I have just recently discovered chia seeds! I love them, especially in overnight oats, oatmeal! They are a bit pricey and I also am not entirely sure how much to use? I usually put 1 tbs in my overnight oats…I see that some people only use a tsp. Not sure how much is best!
I´ve never tried chia sees!
Actually, I never saw them on the market…
I guess I better start looking for it, haha!
Chia seeds are my FAVORITE! Words can’t express how important these little guys are in my diet! Especially as a runner, these give me the energy that I need… and I’m a vegetarian and here is a great source of complete protein for me!
PLUS I have a grouchy stomach, so they help regulate that too! I’ve told my bro with Crohns about them too.. they are EXCELLENT for people with inflammatory bowel diseases!
I’m obesessed with chia. I add them to everything! The best is chocolate milk with a tbls chia - let the seed get gelly and then drink!
I’ve been taking them for a week now and I have to say I feel great! What is good it not having to grind them up. I don’t put them in cooked things as the person I purchased from says they work best raw. I have a family cholesterol problem so I am really keen to find a food based solution. I don’t think butter subsitutes and low fat foods are actually a real solution. People are saying this is expensive. Here in OZ I paid $16 for 500grams.
This seems less expensive than anti cholesterol medication and this item is completely unprocessed! The other thing is the long shelf life without preservatives or refrigeration.
I haven’t tried hem yet but I appreciate the added info and might give ‘em a go!
That’s so funny because when my dad saw my chia seeds in the cupboard, he was like “What? Has the chia pet fad come back?” Haha!
I just bought some for the first time a few weeks ago and I love adding them to my oatmeal. I definitely notice that they keep me fuller for longer! I haven’t noticed any other benefits yet, but it’s probably too soon for that.
I have chia seeds that I use but honestly did not know what they were for exactly. Thanks for the very informative post!
Ok I feel silly admitting this, but I had no idea they were the same thing until I read this post! I have not tried cooking with Chia seeds but I will definitely pick some up next time I see them!! Thanks for enlightening me!
I NEVER knew that you could eat them! Ahhhh! That’s crazy. I guess it’s time to start looking for some
Chia is very versatile - we add it to baking, smoothies and other beverages. Have you tried iskiate? It’s made with water, lime juice, sugar and chia. Long distance runners use it to reenergize, it was featured in the best selling book “Born to Run”
I love chia seeds in smoothies!
I did think of the plant bizarre television ad when I first heard of them!
I have tried them, but only when I was able to receive a free sample. I think they may keep me full, but I also eat them with fats/fiber so who knows!
I really enjoyed this post and that you keep it real.
Yes!! I love chia seeds. I first bought them yeeears ago, made chia seed pudding and fell in love. I love their slimy yet crunchy texture!! Now I pretty much throw them in everything…overnight oats, smoothies, pancakes, and when baking as a binder. They’re awesome as fuel for running, too!!
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I just bought some hemp seeds..has anyone tried them?
I’ve never tried hemp seeds