Scientifically known as Salvia hispanica, the Chia seed is an incredibly nutritious seed that has been appreciated and recommended as a “superfood” for thousands of years. Native to Mexico and Central America, the Chia seed is an ideal food for those suffering from diabetes, thanks to its unique nutritional profile that packs a serious punch, without causing too much of a spike in blood sugar levels.
Chia seeds are a good source of plant-based protein, a great source of fiber and are chock-full of essential fatty acids. Incorporating more of these nutritional powerhouses into your daily diet will help to keep you feeling full longer while at the same time, providing your body with the nutrition it needs to be as healthy as possible.
The only issue, for the majority of people, is the fact that Chia seeds can be intimidating to those who don’t have any experience with them. What exactly can you do with a bad of tiny seeds?
Fortunately, incorporating Chia seeds into your daily routine is not as difficult as it may seem. Here are three of the easiest ways to start adding more of them into your diet:
#1. Make Chia Seed Pudding
Without a doubt, one of the easiest ways to start enjoying Chia seeds is to learn how to make Chia seed pudding. Sure, it sort of looks like frog spawn, and the way it feels in your mouth can take a few spoonfuls to get used to, but once you get a taste for this stuff, we are confident that it will skyrocket to the top of your “favorite foods” list.
[trendingtopicsrelated]
Making Chia seed pudding couldn’t be any easier. The ingredients you will need are:
- 6 tablespoons of Chia seeds
- 2 cups of your favorite non-dairy milk (coconut, cashew, almond or rice)
- Your favorite sweeteners to taste (optional)
- Your favorite fruits, nuts or other suitable flavors (cocoa nibs, coconut shavings)
To make the pudding, simply mix all of the ingredients in a container (mason jars work well) and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes. The longer you leave it to sit, the more pudding-like it will become. For best results, leave the mixture to sit in the fridge overnight.
#2. Sprinkle Them Into Smoothies
Green smoothies consisting of high fiber, low GI fruits are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth craving, all the while providing your body with an influx of essential vitamins and minerals.
To take your smoothies to the next level, try sprinkling a handful of Chia seeds into the mix. Due to their size, you won’t even tell that they are in there, but your body certainly will. Adding Chia seeds to your smoothies will boost the protein, fiber, and fat content, making it a more balanced and health-promoting meal.
If you are struggling to understand which high-fiber fruits will work the best for this recipe, here are three of our favorites.
#3. Add Them to Pancakes, Oatmeal, and Cookies
The great thing about Chia seeds (aside from their incredible nutritional profile) is the fact that they are so tiny. Throwing a few tablespoons of Chia seeds into your morning oatmeal or pancakes will add a drastic nutritional boost without disrupting the consistency or the taste of the original recipe.
The same goes for cookies and other baked goods. If you enjoy baking healthy versions of your favorite treats, why not take them to the next level by sprinkling in a few Chia seeds.
We promise that you won’t even know they are in there!
[article3]
Special thanks to Logan Jukes for writing this article.
[expand title=”References“]
Medical News Today. Accessed September 20, 2017.[/expand]
