Chia seeds | 500g

Description

Chia seeds, although unassuming, contain a treasure trove of fatty acids that are valuable for health. Especially appreciated by those looking to lose weight due to their high fiber content. With their neutral taste, you can create original desserts, and they pair excellently with milk and fruit.

NOTE: Do not consume more than two tablespoons (15g) of chia seeds per day.

What do chia seeds look like?

Chia seeds are the most valuable part of the plant called Spanish sage. They are oval in shape and very small, with a diameter of about one millimeter. They vary in color from dark brown to black, and there are also white and light red varieties.

Where do chia seeds come from?

The cultivation of chia seeds was widespread as early as 3400 BC. The beneficial properties of chia seeds were appreciated by the Aztecs and Mayans. Spanish sage was used to produce oil and flour, enriching the diet of the time. They were also added to paint and cosmetics and used in religious ceremonies. Currently, the plant is also very popular in these areas. The largest quantities of Spanish sage are cultivated in Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador.

How does chia taste?

These small grains are virtually tasteless. Their neutrality is an advantage because they take on the flavor of the liquid they are soaked in. You can combine them with yogurt, juice, or milk. They are the perfect addition to cocktails and desserts, increasing their volume many times over and taking on a jelly-like form.

How do chia seeds work?

In 2009, the European Food Safety Authority recognized that chia seeds are safe for health and classified them in the group of so-called "Novel Foods." What do chia seeds give you? According to scientists, they should be part of daily nutrition, especially for people with cardiovascular problems due to their high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The acids present in the seeds can help lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood, have a positive effect on the nervous system, improve skin condition, and help lower blood pressure.

Chia seeds - indications

Scientific research has paid special attention to the fact that chia seeds can be a valuable part of a gluten-free diet since they do not contain gluten. They also play a significant role in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

What is better? Chia seeds or flaxseeds?

According to scientists, chia seeds contain the highest amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) among other plant products that are also the source (e.g., flax). They are also a better source of dietary fiber than flaxseeds. Therefore, in a chia seed vs. flaxseed duel, the former often comes out on top.

How to soak chia seeds

Chia seeds should be soaked in liquid at a ratio of 1:10 before consumption. This treatment extracts the most valuable nutritional value. The soaking process takes about 2 hours. Often, the question arises when observing grains floating in water, milk, or juice, why do chia seeds not swell? They need time to absorb water. Too short soaking will prevent them from increasing their volume. It is also important to stir the prepared mixture from time to time.

What can chia seeds be used for?

Do not consume more than two tablespoons of chia seeds per day. They increase their volume twelve times under the influence of water or other liquids. Too many of them can make it difficult to absorb other valuable nutrients from food. Also, the allowed amount of these seeds in food products offered on the store shelves in the European Union should not exceed 10%. How to eat Chia Seeds? Scientific research emphasizes that consuming chia seeds in the form of ground or in the form of oil increases the absorption of their lipids. How else to prepare chia seeds? You can soak whole grains in advance or add them directly to bread, cake, or porridge. What else can you make from chia seeds? They go perfectly with various types of cocktails and smoothies.

Weight Loss with Chia Seeds

100 grams of the product provides about 500 kcal. One tablespoon weighs an average of 10 grams and provides 50 kcal. The seeds are an excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids and many other nutrients valuable to our body, such as vitamins and minerals. Calories in chia come from proteins, 33% from carbohydrates, and 54% from fats. They are also an excellent source of dietary fiber.

Although chia seeds contain quite a few calories (about 486 calories in 100 grams), they can help you stay in shape. This is thanks to their high fiber content, which provides a feeling of fullness and contributes to better metabolism. However, proper hydration is important.

Not sure about a guilt-free fit dessert? There are many possibilities with chia seeds. Just add two tablespoons of chia seeds, one tablespoon of natural cocoa, a teaspoon of stevia, and two tablespoons of chopped almonds to a glass of warm almond milk. Put it in the refrigerator overnight, and decorate the pudding the next day with raspberries and blueberries. A delicious dessert is ready!

Description

Chia seeds come from the plant Chia with the Latin name Salvia Hispanica. The plant is a member of the mint family. They are nutritious yet low in calories. The word "chia" means "strength" in the Aztec language. Chia seeds are rich in large quantities of natural omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid, which is an essential component of the diet as it cannot be produced by the body itself. Chia seeds are also a source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. They contain vitamin E and B.
Chia seeds absorb water, which, when retained in the body, results in a prolonged feeling of satiety, similar to flaxseed. Spanish sage seeds are the most valuable source of fiber, just behind wheat bran. Additionally, chia seeds are rich in valuable proteins and are often included in the diet of vegetarians. A wealth of calcium and phosphorus.