

A study on chia seeds confirmed that consuming 37 grams of chia seeds a day led to a reduction in inflammatory markers in the blood. It’s called alpha-linolenic acid and is important to a healthy heart. Look at this quick analysis of 2 tablespoons of seeds:Ĭhia seeds are high in a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, known to have an effect on inflammation. And that’s why they have the reputation they do. So yes, nowadays, the chia seed is a healthy addition to the diet and is touted as a mild and nutty flavored food to mix into baked goods or pour into a delicious smoothie. Who knew the mighty chia pet would play a role in nutrition a few years later? Yep, we all had one of these amazing creatures who sprouted “hair” within days. Don’t pretend you either had one or wanted one! Aztec and Mayan cultures knew of the chia seed’s remarkable properties and used it as an energy booster.įast forward to when we were kids, and the Chia Pet was all the rage. The plant is native to Mexico, and it dates way back. The chia seed comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica. Let’s dive right in and figure it out! WHAT ARE CHIA SEEDS? It’s kinda hard to imagine that a small seed can pack such a healthy punch. Wait 5 minutes, and you’ve got an awesome egg replacement!īut, let’s get back to the nutrition and the benefits of chia seeds.Add 3 tablespoons of water to the seeds.Take a tablespoon of chia seeds and place in a bowl.Oh, and did I mention I love blueberry vanilla chia pudding, too?Ĭhia seeds are super versatile, easy to add to your favorite dishes, and heck, they can even replace an egg in a lot of recipes.

While I’ve always loved the crunchiness of chia seeds in salads, when I tried making chocolate chia pudding, I realized I liked the texture of them when they were softened, too.Īnd mixing them in with other good-for-you foods like dates, almond milk, and fruit (yes, fruit – try my yummy chia jam! ) makes this tiny seed even a healthier addition to your food. Check out these 11 crazy awesome benefits of chia seeds and see how you can easily add this nutritional seed to your diet. Chia seeds may be tiny, but they are a superfood that packs a lot of punch.
