Super Food – Chia Seeds

INDIA: Even before the ambush by Corona, people were becoming more health-conscious and switching over to healthy foods. Chia seeds, a dietary staple and recently recognised as a modern-day superfood was one such healthy eating option. These seeds containing large amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of high-quality protein, several essential minerals, and antioxidants were among the most important member of a healthy diet menu.

Chia seeds are made up of about 40% fiber by weight, making them one of the most fiber-dense foods available in the world today. And who doesn’t know the importance of fibers for a healthy life?  Chia seeds are a good source of soluble fiber too, which absorbs water to form a gel that softens and moistens stool for easier passage.

Chia seeds are tiny black seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica, which is related to the mint. Chia is the ancient Mayan word for Strength. A one-ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams of Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are omega-3s), 18% of Calcium, and decent amounts of Magnesium, Phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B3 (niacin), potassium, vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2.

Health benefits of Chia Seeds

• Chia seeds are loaded with nutrients with very few calories
• Chia Seeds are loaded with antioxidants
• High fiber content
• High in quality protein
• Help you lose weight
• High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Lower risk of heart disease
• High in bone nutrients
• Reduce blood sugar levels
• Reduce chronic inflammation

Ways to eat Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are oval in shape and gray with black and white spots, having a diameter of around 2 millimeters (0.08 in). They can be eaten raw by sprinkling them on top of cereal, yogurt, vegetables, or rice dishes. They can also be dissolved in water, and as they can absorb lots of both water and fat, they can be used to thicken sauces and as egg substitutes in recipes.

They can be used in smoothies, like salad dressings, pudding, baked foods, granola, protein bars, or energy bars, drinks, Chia flavoured water, juices, cereal, truffles, stir-fried, baked in cakes, mixed with other grains, pancakes, jam, cookies, soup or gravy, dips, as a thickener for homemade burgers and meatballs, a homemade energy gel, added to tea, in ice cream or ice cream pops, pizza bases, homemade lemonade, etc.

Chia Seeds by Attar Ayurveda:

We received a packet containing 100% 250 gms of original, authentic, and best quality handpicked chia seeds which were wrapped in food-grade packaging by Attar Ayurveda, and relished eating the seeds in salads, and sprinkled on salads.

I personally, loved relishing a mango smoothie on top of Chia seeds soaked in water for about 20 minutes and moved a step further in making my life healthy.