We’re well beyond the Chia Pet. It’s time chia seeds get a spot on your plate. The powerhouse seed is packed with everything you need for optimal digestive health, energy levels, and weight management.
Chia seeds pack some serious nutrition
A one-ounce serving of chia seeds (about 2 tablespoons) offers 5 grams of plant protein and 10 grams of fiber. You’ll also get a dose of zinc and a good source of iron, which is needed to carry oxygen through the body. Chia seeds are also loaded with calcium, a mineral that promotes strong bones and one that nearly 40% of Americans don’t get enough of. To top it off, chia seeds contain an essential type of fat: omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Chia seeds offer phytochemicals
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to chia seed nutrition. In addition to essential fats, protein, fiber, and minerals –– chia seeds also bring phytochemicals to your table (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, kaempferol, and quercetin to be exact). These compounds are natural antioxidants that help scavenge free radicals and keep cells healthy.
Chia seed benefits
Science doesn’t lie: Chia seeds have health benefits. Also known as Salvia Hispanica L, chia seeds help improve blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and hunger management. Research also finds ALA, the omega-3 fatty acid found in chia, promotes both heart health and brain health.
How to eat chia seeds
You can use good-for-you chia seeds as a topping for smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal –– or whip up an easy chia pudding. Just combine 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with half a cup of milk of your choice and let it sit overnight in the fridge.
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