Chia is a fantastic source of omega-3s, fiber, vitamin B, protein, calcium, iron and magnesium… just to name a few. (1) Chia is certainly making a comeback but for a while, it was virtually impossible to find. (1) Chia can be traced back thousands of years, specifically within Aztec tribes who considered it to be a primary crop. It has been shown that the ancient Tarahumara Indians, a tribe of super-runners used chia as a dietary staple to help with endurance. (2)
Chia is generally considered to be flavorless so it’s extremely versatile when adding it to different types of foods. Here are just a few ideas of how to add this mighty little seed to your diet: (1)
Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is a fantastic option for breakfast because it prepares itself in the fridge over night and is a great source of protein, fiber and nutrients to start the day. Check out these 4 different
chia pudding with juice recipes, as well as these
raspberry chia overnight oats (3).
Smoothies
Chia can be added to smoothies and blended with the rest of your ingredients or sprinkled on top for texture. (4) This
organic berry juice with lemon & chia seed is awesome too!
Granola
Nowadays you will find that a lot of granolas have chia in them. But, if you’re making your own, chia is a great addition and provides a boost of nutrients and some extra crunch.
Cereal or Yogurt
Chia is great to sprinkle on top of cold breakfast cereal, oatmeal or yogurt with some granola and fruit. Sometimes these breakfasts can be high in sugar so including chia, which is high in protein, is a great choice for preventing a blood sugar spike and providing you with a bit of energy for the day ahead. (5)
Baked Goods
Even if you don’t see chia in the recipe for a baked good, adding a tablespoon often won’t affect the recipe and will provide some extra vitamins and nutrients. (6)
Salads
I sprinkle chia on my salads fairly often. It doesn’t affect the flavor of the dish at all, adds fun a crunch and I always know I am getting an extra boost of nourishment! (7)
Let us know what other ways you love to add chia to your diet!
Enjoy,
Anya Kaats & Suja Juice
SOURCES:
1. Ware, M. (2015, March 26). What are the health benefits of chia seeds? Retrieved from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/291334.php
2. Neglected Crops. (1994). Retrieved from
http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/t0646e/t0646e.pdf
3. Bradlee, A. (2015, June 1). 14 Chia Pudding Recipes to Try at Home.
Boston Magazine.
4. The Chia Smoothie Page. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.all-smoothie-recipes.com/chia-smoothie.html
5. When it comes to fiber, cereal fiber may be your best choice - Harvard Health Blog. (2011, February 25). Retrieved from
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/when-it-comes-to-fiber-cereal-fiber-may-be-your-best-choice-201102251535
6. Allison, Kay Cahill Allison. "When It Comes to Fiber, Cereal Fiber May Be Your Best Choice - Harvard Health Blog."
Harvard Health Blog RSS. Harvard Health Publications, 25 Feb. 2011. Web.
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/when-it-comes-to-fiber-cereal-fiber-may-be-your-best-choice-201102251535
7. "How to Eat Chia Seeds: 10 Ways to Use Chia That Won't Gross You Out!"
How to Eat Chia Seeds: 10 Ways to Use Chia That Won't Gross You Out! Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, 2010. Web.
http://www.healwithfood.org/how-to-eat/chia-seeds-uses.php
