Ch-Ch-Ch CHIA!!
Remember the commercial with the cute little clay animal that had sprouted chia seeds all over their bodies? They were fun weren’t they? Made nice window decorations (complete sarcasm). Well, aside from posing as an animal plant, did you know that chia seeds also posess tremendous nutritional value and are considered a super food?
Chia seeds played an important part of the Aztec and Mayan diet between 1500 and 910 B.C. It was used as a high energy endurance food, known as the “running food,” providing nourishment for battle and long distance marches.
Today, Chia seeds can be found in most specialty and health food stores for about $1 an ounce and make an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
The following are my top 5 reasons to start using Chia seeds today!
1. Provides long lasting energy: Chia has the remarkable ability to form a gel when mixed with water (9:1 ratio of water to chia) due to the soluble fiber that coats the seed. Researchers believe this unique gel-forming action also takes place in the stomach, creating a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down. This barrier slows the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar. When chia seeds are consumed, the slow conversion of carbohydrate in to sugar gives your body a constant stream of energy, as opposed to a drastic spike that will quickly crash. The swelling action of Chia also helps to cleanse and soothe the colon, absorbing toxins while lubricating and strengthening peristaltic action.
2. A Complete Protein: Chia seeds are a source of complete protein. This means they contain all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own and must be eaten. Chia seeds are a high quality source of protein and excellent for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
3. Rich in Omega-3′s and healthy fats: Chia seeds have a high oil content and are the richest vegetable source of omega 3 fatty acids. By weight, chia seeds have more omega-3′s than salmon! The healthy fats present in Chia seeds aid in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, maintain resilience and lubrication of all cells, support our cardiovascular system, and assist in the normal functioning of the reproductive system, just to name a few.
4. Rich source of Calcium: Chia seeds are rich in calcium, containing more calcium by weight than whole milk. Plus, they contain the trace minerals magnesium and boron, which aid in the absorption of calcium and its’ utilization by the body.
5. High in Antioxidants: Chia seeds are a rich source of antioxidants, which help fight free radicals! Their high antioxidant content gives them a shelf life of over 2 years!
HOW TO USE CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds have a mild, nut-like flavor and because they are easily digested, do not have to be ground like flaxseeds in order to be used. Whole chia seeds can be sprinkled on salads, cereals, yogurts, or added to no bake protein bars. The seeds can be mixed in to smoothies or ground and added to baked goods. The sprouted seeds can be used in sandwiches or salads. In Mexico, they make “Chia Fresca,” by mixing the seeds with water and a spritz of lemon or lime juice.
Chia seeds can also be used as a fat replacer. Soak chia seeds in water for ~30 minutes and the seeds will soak up to 9 times their weight in water. The newly formed chia gel can be substituted for half the butter in most recipes or added to hot cereals or puddings!
QUESTION: Do you use Chia seeds? If so, how do you use them?
I use chia seeds every morning on top of oatmeal, protein pancakes, and in my Greek yogurt. I find that using a 1/2 tablespoon before long endurance runs and cycling rides has definitely helped me. I may actually start adding more as I increase these training sessions. I love them and want to try them in a bar. Ch-Ch-Chia…Hope you are doing well Erin!
I started using Salba a while back and really loved the effects it had on my body and my mood. Can andyone tell me the difference between the white chia seed and the dark one. I notice the dark is significantly less expensive and am wondering if this is because the nutritional value is lacking in comparison to the white?
love chia seeds . i have a scoop in a 1/2 glass warm water every morning
[...] Chia Oatmeal Energy Bars as seen on The Healthy Apron [...]
[...] Chia Oatmeal Energy Bars as seen on The Healthy Apron [...]
I love Chia seeds
especially since the flavor is fairly neutral, you can add them to everything. I use them a lot over the summer to make vegan overnight oats.
I just got started on Chia Seeds after reading so much about their nutritional value, and they’re just fun to have in my water bottle or in my oatmeal. One thing I’ve noticed based on these comments is theres a lot of women eating Chia…am I the only guy here that like them haha. I’m still fascinated by the whole gel-ing process=)
I do have/use chia seeds! I mainly use them in smoothies, but I’ve also done the “chia egg” (chia seeds with water, like the flax egg) in baking recipes and it worked great.
I love them! I use them on top of my almond butter/english muffin every morning!
YAY for Calcium!!!
I am always looking for ways to add more Calicium to my diet! YAY for Chia Seeds! 
xoxox
Kathleen
I like chia seeds in baked goods, but I am not the biggest fan in cold things…it is a texture thing, I think!!
I love this post! I have Chia seeds, but don’t use them as much as I’d like because I have trouble incorporating them into recipes/meals. I do add them to my smoothies in the morning, but with the omega 3 content and antioxidants, I want to use them more. Certainly checking out those linked recipes – thanks!
I love chia seeds!! I use them to make a vanilla pudding for breakfast
I’ve never used chia seeds, but it seems like all the bloggers I follow do! I’ve been curious about them. Thanks for this!
This is such great information. I’ve seen so many recipes/blogs that refer to chia seeds, and I haven’t had a chance to do some research and see what they’re all about. Now I don’t have to, you’ve done the research for me. Thanks as always for the information.
I love my new bag of chia seeds! I’ve been using them in overnight oats, and the gel and volume is incredible. I had no idea that it is a complete protein or has lots of calcium, score!
I can’t find them! boo! I have wanted to start eating them for months now!!!
okay you’ve certainly convinced me!! i was actually SO close to buying some the other day but they were SO EXPENSIVE! next time i WILL
Chia mixed into my morning oats (~ 1 Tbs). Chia in my smoothies. Chia in homemade granola bars. Chia + water to substitute for an egg in baking (instead of ground flax + water). Love Chia!
I love chia seeds! I usually put them in yogurt but I sometimes add them to baked goods as well.
I have never had chia seeds before. I need to get on top of it, seriously! I don’t think I would know where to look?
I like to use chia to plump up oatmeal or as a chia egg in some baked goods. I didn’t know it could work as a fat replacer too. Great info!
Such an informative article. I feel very educated on chia seeds now and just need to do something about and go get some already!
I have been wanting to try to use them in something! Guess you gave me somethin to use them in!
thanks!
Yes, I love chia seeds! I made grain-free chia/flax seeds in my food dehydrator. They truly are a superfood! And make pretty little potted plants, lol.
I love chia seeds but for reason I haven’t bought them in a while. I need to pick up some next time I go to the store. I used to always top them on yogurts, salads and also put them in smoothies!
I love using chia seeds!! I often add it to my homemade granola and in my smoothies. I also use chia “eggs” often when I am baking. I didn’t realize that they were high in calcium ~ good to know!! I tried a chia fresca once but I didn’t like the texture – it was too slimy for me to just drink!
I love chia seeds! I put them in my oatmeal and it always comes out thicker and more volumous!
I love chia seeds! My favorite way to eat them is in overnight chia pudding, but I also love throwing them in smoothies or cereal!
I put chia seeds in my oatmeal for the first time today. Thank your for sharing this post! I have tummy issues, so it’s nice to know that they are good for that!
I LOVE chia seeds! I put them in my oatmeal every day!
I love chia seeds! They have so much nutritional value but I really don’t use them nearly as much as I should! I love putting them in oatmeal, and sometimes throw them into smoothies too. Those bars look absolutely delicious.. going to check out the recipe now!