Chia seeds are one of those superfoods that everyone's talking about, but paradoxically, it's never quite clear how to consume them. These tiny seeds are incredibly versatile and beneficial, but only when you know how and in what quantities to eat them.
Consuming chia seeds means enjoying all their health properties and benefits, from their antioxidant power to their analgesic properties, and of course, their ability to help you lose weight.
What are they and what are they good for?
Chia seeds are the seeds of a plant native to the Americas, the chia plant (Salvia hispanica). The benefits and properties of chia have been known for hundreds of years. Therefore, this food is so popular, known worldwide and consumed by many athletes and models who want to lead a healthy life or follow a specific diet. The seeds of this plant are very rich in nutrients that are vital for your body and health, such as carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and even high-biological-value proteins. But undoubtedly, a key characteristic of these seeds is that they are a source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which are very difficult to find elsewhere. How to take chia seeds To make the most of the properties and benefits of chia, it is necessary to know how to consume these seeds. Here are a few ideas for preparing this superfood!
Smoothies
Smoothies are one of the best options when it comes to consuming foods that aren't very appealing on their own, such as chia seeds.
The idea is to add them to your favorite smoothies, like a strawberry and banana smoothie or a blueberry and mixed berry smoothie. It doesn't matter what flavor it is, the important thing is how much you use.
If you don't want your favorite smoothie to turn into a seed smoothie, it's best to add only 25 grams of chia seeds (which is equivalent to two tablespoons).
Yogurts
Many people mix yogurts with other foods, such as nuts. Are you one of them? Whether you're a regular or not, one of the best ways to increase your chia seed intake is to add a small spoonful of these seeds to your yogurt. Salads If you like to take care of yourself, you surely love salads. They are a very versatile dish that you can modify in a thousand different ways, adding hundreds of ingredients or using only the essentials. No matter what your secret salad recipe is, a spoonful of chia seeds on top will go unnoticed and will multiply its biological and nutritional value. Sauces Store-bought sauces are fine, but without a doubt, the best option for your health is to make them at home. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add some chia seeds, which, without altering the flavor or texture, will give it that fit touch that every sauce needs.
Bread and Cakes
Is there anything more delicious than freshly baked homemade bread? If you're into making your own bread, you've probably already added more ingredients than necessary, like nuts or raisins.
Why not a little chia?
Furthermore, you can combine it with other seeds, such as flax or even oats, creating a true seed bread.
Water with lemon and chia
Without a doubt, one of the most common ways to consume chia is in a glass of water with lemon juice and a teaspoon of these seeds. This helps cleanse the body, eliminating many toxins and preparing it for a new day.
Chia Gel
Many people make a kind of gel or porridge with these seeds. This is done by soaking the chia seeds in a little water. After a few hours in the refrigerator, you'll have this chia gel ready.
This works because chia seeds have a great capacity to absorb water, so when you consume it, it will hydrate you greatly.
How can you take it? Well, if you're a fan of the taste of chia seeds, you can eat them directly, and if not, you can mix them with fruit salad, yogurt, a salad, or other foods included in your diet.Precautions and contraindications when consuming chia seeds
Taking chia seeds, in addition to being good for your health and helping you maintain a balanced diet, can have some side effects. There aren't many contraindications for chia seeds, but it's best to respect those that exist. Almost everyone can consume them, and if you have any doubts, it's best to consult your doctor (for example, diabetics or people taking medication). Furthermore, it's not recommended to consume more than 25 grams of chia seeds per day due to their high fiber content.
0 comments