Share
Chia seeds were originally viewed as a speciality food item that could only be found in a few health-food stores. But now, they are widely used in practically everything - from cereals and yoghurt to energy bars and drinks - and have gained popularity as a superfood. Salvia Hispanica is a blooming plant that is a member of the mint family and is used to extract chia seeds. Natural seeds of high grade are either white or black in colour. The fibre, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and other macronutrients in these tiny black seeds help reduce the buildup of bad fats that can lead to heart disease and stroke.
And because they are high in fibre, chia seeds help you feel fuller for longer and avoid binge eating because they are digested slowly. Regardless of how healthy they are, you can enjoy them for their taste. Here are the best ways to eat chia seeds.
1. Salad dressings
You can add chia seeds to salad dressings to make them thicker without using mayonnaise or sour cream. Add a spoonful of chia seeds to a base of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. If it becomes too thick, gradually add tablespoons of water until the desired consistency is reached.
2. Smoothies
Smoothies typically contain frozen fruit or vegetables, but chia seeds can also help create a thicker consistency. Sprinkled on top or incorporated into the base of your smoothie, chia seeds will absorb some liquid and form gel-like balls that resemble tapioca pearls.
3. Chia water
One of the easiest methods to include chia seeds in your diet is to add them to water. About 40 grams of chia seeds should be soaked in 1 litre of water for 20 to 30 minutes to create chia water. To add flavour to your beverage, squeeze in some lemon, lime, or orange juice or add some chopped fruit.
4. In jams
Chia seeds are an excellent alternative to pectin in a jam since they can absorb ten times their dry weight in water. Since chia seeds may replace pectin, your jam won’t require a lot of added sugar to make it taste sweet because pectin is fairly bitter. Even better, chia jam is significantly simpler to prepare than regular jam. Try omitting refined sugar and substituting blueberries and honey instead.
5. Chia pudding
Making a pudding with chia seeds is one of the best uses for them. Chia pudding has a thick, gelatinous texture like tapioca pudding. Although the pudding is frequently sweetened, you can make it without any added sugar. It can be prepared ahead of time and served as a dessert or snack.
