Chia Seeds, are they even Healthy?!

Chia Seeds...What are these tiny little seeds that are all the rage these days??

Chia seeds are actually one of the healthiest super foods on the planet! They are loaded with nutrients that can be important and beneficial for your brain and your body.

Chia seeds are tiny black seeds from the plant Salvia Hispanica, which is related to the mint, and are native to South America. Chia is actually the ancient Mayan word for energy.

They are packed full of nutrients, gram for gram, and contain fibre, Omega 3, protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, which are all essential for bone health. Chia seeds are gluten free, whole grain and are usually grown organically.

Fibre: The fibre helps you feel fuller for longer and aids healthy digestion.

Protein: Protein is the most weight-loss-friendly macronutrient and can help reduce appetite and cravings.

Calcium: A proper level of calcium in the body over a lifetime can help prevent osteoporosis. Calcium helps your body with building strong bones and teeth.

Magnesium: Helps your body to absorb calcium.

Phosphorus: Helps to filter out waste in your kidneys

Omega 3: Good fats.

Chia seeds can absorb 10 times their weight in water, so can be added to dishes to help thicken sauces and even used as egg substitutes in recipes for vegans or people who can not eat egg.

Other than making an excellent egg replacer in recipes chia seeds can be eaten raw, added to smoothies, added to porridges and healthy puddings, an ingredient to make healthy crackers,or added even added to baked goods. You can also sprinkle them through rice dishes and vegetables!

Chia seeds can be purchased from most health food stores, bulk food stores and even the supermarket now! Try adding some chia seeds into your food or try and make something with them to get all of those amazing health benefits they provide you with!

Renee xx