Why you should add chia seeds to your diet
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Chia seeds might be small, but they’re mighty.
If you’re looking for a super seed that packs a punch, look no further and learn about where chia seeds come from, their health benefits and how to supercharge your diet by adding them to your favourite foods and snacks.
What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds come from the flowering Salvia hispanica plant
The plant, which makes black and white seeds with a slightly nutty flavour, is found in Mexico and Guatemala.1
Over the last few years these little seeds have been gaining in popularity because they have excellent nutritional qualities:
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They’re 100% gluten-free
They’re gluten-free and 100% natural chia seeds are one of the best known vegetarian sources of omega-3 fats.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you need to make sure you’re consuming foods rich in omega-3 fats on a daily basis and may want to consider taking a supplement such as Together Natural Algae DHA Omega 3 Softgels as well.2
Your body needs omega-3 fats, for a healthy heart. Find out how else omega-3 can benefit your health here.
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They’re an excellent source of protein
Chia seeds are also an excellent source of protein which you need to eat more of if you want to build muscle mass.
They might be a vegan source of protein, but chia seeds can be enjoyed by anyone as their neutral flavour means that they’re not overpowering.
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Chia seeds are rich in calcium
They’re rich in calcium, with 233 milligrams in a three-tablespoon serving, almost as much as the average class of milk (299 milligrams).3
Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth.
They’re a fantastic source of iron
They’re a good source of iron which helps transport oxygen around the body.4
They also contain magnesium which helps reduce tiredness as it turns the food you eat into energy and polyunsaturates which provide your body essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.5,6
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They’re high in fibre
Chia seeds are high in fibre which is needed for a healthy digestive system.
They’re also full of phosphorous for normal function of cell membranes and contain potassium which helps to maintain normal blood pressure.7
Supercharge your diet with chia seeds
If you fancy giving these seeds a try, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s very easy to add them to your favourite meals and snacks.
Here are 3 suggestions:
- Dry chia seeds can be sprinkled on a salad
- Mix some into a yoghurt or vegan alternative
- Add to a glass of fruit juice so they soak up some of the juice but will still be slightly crunchy
6 ways to revolutionise your diet with chia seeds
Fancy experimenting with chia? Here are some recipes to try out!
1. Make chia pudding with blueberries or dried goji berries
1
Take 40 grams of Chia Bia 100 Natural Whole Chia Seed.
2
Soak in 230ml of almond milk or coconut milk.
3
After 20 minutes, your pudding will be ready to eat.
4
You might want to make it extra special by adding a handful of blueberries or some dried goji berries.
2. Add chia seeds to a banana smoothie
If you already enjoy making your own smoothies at home, simply add some Clever Chia Seeds to supercharge it.
Alternatively, try whipping up a delicious banana smoothie.
1
Whisk 2 tablespoons of chia seeds into 120ml of almond milk.
2
Leave in your fridge for 15 minutes.
3
In a blender, add 240ml of almond milk to 1 large frozen banana (sliced).
4
Blend well before adding the chia seed mixture.
5
Blend until smooth and then pour into a tall glass. Great for breakfast or as a treat during the day.
3. Use chia seeds to create energy-filled porridge
Not only will this taste delicious, but it’ll give you an energy boost.
1
Take a bowl of steaming hot porridge.
2
Top with some Naturya Chia Seeds, chopped dates and apricots.
4. Boost your trail mix with energy-filled chia seeds
It's easy to make yourself a healthy trail mix to snack on.The hard part will be rationing yourself so you don’t eat too much in one sitting.
1
Scatter 50g of mixed seeds, 50g dried cranberries and 25g of almonds on a baking tray.
2
Toss in 3 tablespoons of Organic Coconut Nectar.
3
Toast in your oven for 5 minutes.
5. Add chia seeds to give your salad an extra crunch
Whether you tend to have a basic garden salad with lettuce, cucumber and cherry tomatoes or a Mediterranean salad with peppers, chickpeas and purple onion, adding in some chia seeds tastes great.
1
Prepare salad.
2
Just before serving, toss in some chia seeds to give your salad some extra crunch.
6. Use them as an egg substitute
Thanks to their ability to easily absorb water and form a glutinous gel, chia seeds can be used as a healthy substitute for fats and eggs in recipes.
They can also be used as a thickener in sauces, replacing the flour and as a breadcrumb coating when cooking spicy bean burgers and eggplant fries.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to check out our recipe for chocolate & chia dessert. It’s so easy to make and tasty that it could quickly become a firm favourite in your household.
Last updated: 16 September 2021
Nutritionist
Joined Holland & Barrett: Jan 2018
Bsc in Nutrition, Registered Associate Nutritionist and Certification in Pre and Post Natal Nutrition
Donia started her career as a freelance nutritionist, later she joined Nestle as their Market Nutritionist to help support their healthier product range, before joining the team at Holland & Barrett in January 2018.
Donia has over 6 years experience as a Nutritionist and also works with clients on a one to one basis to support their goals which include weight loss, prenatal and postnatal nutrition and children’s health.
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