Chia seeds have a moderate flavor and amplify the flavor of any food or drink to which they are added. When mixed with liquid, they expand considerably and create a gelatinous coating that is simple to swallow and digest. Chia seeds can be added directly to liquid-containing foods like yogurt or juice with its amazing benefits. Making chia gel is advised by Eating with Purpose. Chia gel can be made by mixing 2 cups of warm water with 1/3 cup of chia seeds, then allowing the mixture to thicken. The gel gets thicker the longer it sits. Chia seed powder is another option.

You shouldn’t be afraid to eat chia seeds because you haven’t cooked them before. Utilising their health advantages all day long is simple.

 

1.Smoothies

Chia seeds are frequently included in smoothies. You only need a spoonful or less of fresh seeds or chia gel to give your fruit and vegetable smoothies structure and nutrition. Surprisingly nutritious, this luscious chocolate almond chia seed smoothie. Protein-packed almonds, a healthy serving of potassium-rich medjool dates, and bananas round out the recipe. Use dark cocoa powder to enhance more depth of flavour.

 

2. Dressings for salad

Chia seeds combine well with salad dressing components like lemon juice, honey, vinegar, and olive oil. Almost every recipe for salad dressing can benefit from a tablespoon or so of seeds. The dressing becomes thicker the more seeds you add.

Make this chia seed vinaigrette to avoid the artificial additives common in many salad dressings. Chia seeds are combined with honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in this recipe.

 

3. Dessert

 

Chia pudding may be available on the menu at organic cafes and health food stores, but you can create your own at home with little effort. The texture of chia pudding is comparable to that of tapioca. It is easy enough to prepare for breakfast while still being classy enough to offer as dessert at your upcoming dinner party.

 

 

Almond milk, chia seeds and vanilla beans are all that are required to produce vanilla bean chia pudding. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, some chocolate shavings, some lemon zest, or a drizzle of maple syrup to this dish’s many topping options. To make a nice parfait, you can also layer the custard with fresh fruit.

 

4. Baked goods

 

Try including chia seeds in baked products if you dislike the gelatin-like feel of the seeds. Chia gel can be used as a thickening or in place of eggs to keep baked items moist. Chia seeds can be sprinkled on top of muffins or quick breads before baking. In a dish, replace the 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water with one entire egg.

Bananas, dates, Greek yoghurt, chia seeds, oat flour, and maple syrup are used to make banana chia breakfast muffins. For your kids’ portable breakfast or after-school snack, give them a try.

 

5. Cereal, protein bars, or energy bars

 

Homemade granola, energy, and protein bars get a fibre boost from chia seeds. Make chia seed energy bars with dates, coconut oil, chia seeds, vanilla, and any additional ingredients you like, such dark chocolate, coconut, and dried fruit.

 

6. Chia Beverages

In health food stores and juice bars, pricey chia drinks are all the rage. By mixing 2 cups water, coconut water, and 1 cup of fruit juice or pureed fresh fruit with 2 to 3 teaspoons of chia seeds, you may make your own for less money. Stir the mixture before drinking after letting it sit until it has thickened.

Use chia seeds in chia fresca, sometimes referred to as “Mexican lemonade,” for a cool beverage. Chia seeds, lemon or lime juice, water or coconut water, and sugar make up this natural energy drink. Add a few mint leaves for flavouring.

 

7. Breadcrumbs

When replacing breadcrumbs as a binder in recipes, chia seeds are a fantastic low-carb option. Generally speaking, using chia will require less than using breadcrumbs. One to two teaspoons are usually sufficient for most recipes.

Ground beef (or ground turkey or ground chicken), chia seeds, onions, Worcestershire, and chopped vegetables are used in this nutritious, grain-free meatloaf recipe.

8. Ice pops

 

Add chia seeds to homemade popsicles if you’re looking for a way to sneak nutrients to picky eaters. Making your own popsicles is a healthier option because store-bought ones are frequently filled with sugar, artificial colorings, and artificial flavourings.

Make blueberry chia popsicles using almond milk, chia seeds, avocado, and frozen blueberries by grabbing your ice pop moulds. Your children won’t even realise they’re eating well.

 

9. Jam

 

Jam and chia seeds might seem like a weird pairing, but the chia acts as a natural gel thickener. Although chia seed jam is thinner than traditional jam, it is still simple to drizzle over yoghurt, hot porridge, and ice cream as well as spread on toast and muffins.

Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to around 2 cups of mashed fresh fruit to produce a straightforward chia seed jam. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes before adding any desired sweetness, such as honey or agave. The mixture will develop a jam-like consistency as it sits.

Cook the mashed fruit and sweetener over low to medium heat for roughly five minutes before stirring in the chia seeds for a richer jam. Only strawberries, chia seeds, water, and a natural sweetener are used in this strawberry chia jam recipe.

 

The Conclusion

Chia seeds should be included on any list of superfoods. They are a good source of healthful fat, fiber, and antioxidants. Adding chia seeds to your diet is an easy method to increase its nutritional value.

 

Although chia seeds are safe to consume, some people may experience an adverse reaction. They issue a warning that the seeds might interact with drugs that thin the blood, like warfarin and Coumadin. Consuming chia seeds should be done with caution if you take blood pressure medication. If you are worried, discuss it with your doctor.