Chia Seeds: The Health Benefits and Best Ways to Use Chia In Your Diet

Remember the TV commercial “chi chi chi chia”… the terracotta head that grew green hair overnight or the chia pet? Chia seeds originated in South America amongst ancient Mayan and Aztec people. It was a staple in their diet and is grown for commercial purposes in Bolivia, Mexico and Australia today.

Here is a list of nutritional facts for Chia seed taken from Bob’s Red Mill’s website:

Chia seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, niacin, phosphorus and protein. There is no cholesterol and it helps the body digest and break down carbohydrates.

Studies show that insects do not like Chia plants. So it is naturally easy to grow Chia plants without chemicals.

Chia seeds don’t deteriorate fast and can be stored for a long time. You don’t need to grind them to get the nutritional value. They are extremely versatile, mild flavor, easy to use and can be eaten in many ways. Our readers have contributed to some of the ideas in ways to use Chia seeds everyday.

Here are some comments:

Amanda F:
I put them in my shakes and sometimes in my salad — just mix them into your dressing. (My fave: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, spicy or quality mustard, garlic, and chia seeds mixed together)

Kelly B.:
I love them on my salads and in my oatmeal. I also have just started making chia pudding, which is YUMMY!

Cheryl B:
Love them…you can add to yogurt or oatmeal! I add them to my shakes all the time too.

Charla A.:
Sprinkle some in salads.

Deanna K.:
I love chia “pudding”! With chocolate coconut or almond milk

Julie B.:
Some people will add a small amount of chia seeds to their water, ~1 tsp. per liter, to help enhance hydration.

Linda Q.:
I just ground some up in my coffee mill and tossed them in oatmeal after it was cooked, along with some flax seeds.

Nancy S.:
Great in cereal, yogurt and salads

Charity K.:
I use Chia in EVERYTHING!

Deborah H.:
I like to put a little in my water with EO’s.

Bruce G.:
I use them in the following smoothie: 2 cups coconut milk, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 Tbs of Chia seeds, handful of pecans, 1 tsp of cinnamon.

Tolly O.:
I add them to oatmeal, cereal, and recently threw them into my spaghetti sauce to add some protein since I just didn’t feel like meat that night. You couldn’t even tell they were in there! It was great.  So versatile.

Mary C.:
Love Chia in my shakes and smoothies!

Monique M,
I stir it in almond and Coconut milk 1/2 a Cup and 2 tablespoon of Chi…. put it in the Fridge and have it as Desert …Make sure you stir well before popping in Fridge.

Meddy J,:
Soak overnight in orange juice, then blend with frozen peaches, a bit of coconut milk and a scoop of protein. Or use like poppy seeds!

Catharine S.:
In water jug!

I found out that when you combine Chia seeds with water, it becomes gel-like in about 10 minutes. So, if a cake recipe asks for 2 eggs, you can replace the eggs with 2 tablespoons of Chia seeds in 6 tablespoons of water. Let it sit till it becomes a gel and add with other ingredients.

Here is a modified recipe from Bob’s Red Mill:

High Protein Apple Dip
1 sliced apple
1 mashed banana
2 Tbsp. Young Living’s Pure Protein Complete
1 Tbsp. peanut butter
1 pinch cinnamon
Mix together and ready to dip.

This recipe was contributed by Robin Van Sickel on Bob’s Red Mill’s website. We substituted soy protein powder with Young Living’s Pure Protein Complete.

Easy Granola for breakfast:

2 cups organic old fashioned oats
½ cup chia seeds
¼ cup coconut flakes
¼ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup coconut oil
½ cup honey
1 tsp. cinnamon
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Combine all ingredients. Place on oiled cookie sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Eating healthier has never been easier with the availability of different types of seeds and nuts. Three things that stand out with Chia seeds are

1. The plant repels insects, which means they are possibly being grown naturally and organically.
2. The nutritional value of the seeds.
3. The seeds are so versatile and easy to use either raw or cooked.

Try out the recipes today and let us know how it turns out. Leave your comment below or share this post with your friends and family.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.