What are these odd little black seeds that seem to be popping up on trendy blogs, television, and every page on Pinterest? Though these little guys may seem new to you, chia seeds have been around for a very long time; there is evidence that they were cultivated in the time of the Aztecs. But, what is the big deal? Why are chia seeds all the rage?
1) They are full of fiber!
Chia seeds have eleven grams of fiber per two-tablespoon serving. Fiber keeps your digestive system healthy and reduces the LDL cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol,” in your body.
2) They help control your appetite
When chia seeds interact with water, they form a gel-like consistency. This phenomenon helps you become fuller faster! The fiber helps you feel fuller longer, too.
3) They are filled with antioxidants
Antioxidants help keep your cells healthy and damage-free! Antioxidants have been known to help the body prevent cancer and other chronic diseases.
4) They have this wonderful thing called omega-3 fatty acids
Meet your new best friends: omega 3 fatty acids! These healthy fats are essential in many bodily functions – especially in the brain. There have been many studies that show omega-3’s role in combatting depression, arthritis, and asthma.
5) They are your bones’ best friends
Taking care of your bones at this age is crucial. A serving has almost 20% of your Percent Daily Value of calcium and 30% of phosphorus. Chia seeds are a particularly great option for those of you who fall short in your dairy intake.
Now, I know you’re asking yourself: Where can I get these guys, and what do I do with them?
You can get chia seeds at almost every grocery store. They usually come in a re-sealable bag. You can choose from two varieties: ground and regular. They are essentially the same, although the texture differs, and your body absorbs some nutrients faster when the chia seed is ground. So, now time to eat!
Once you purchase your seeds, you have endless possibilities!
-Throw a tablespoon into your smoothie
-Sprinkle them on your PB toast
-Stir some into yogurt
-Add to a muffin recipe to add some fiber
Just make sure you enjoy in moderation like anything else!
*This is unrelated, but I found it during my research and it’s great: