I'd like you to meet my new best friend...chia seeds. Okay, not really but I keep finding myself using these tiny black seeds everywhere and with great results. So I wanted to share it with the rest of my friends (that's you guys).
You may have heard that chia seeds are good for you so some of what I say may be duplicate information that you're already aware of and some may be new to you. Let's get started!
Here's 5 reasons why you should be eating chia seeds:
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1 - Ch-ch-ch-chia! The Super Food!
More calcium than a glass of milk, more omega-3 than a salmon fillet, more fiber than flax seed it's chia seeds! These little guys are definitely considered a super food and also boast nutrients like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, folate, B vitamins, selenium (an antioxidant), and protein. It's like taking a multivitamin.
2 - Binds Gluten Free Baked Goods
When added to liquid, chia seeds create this gel-like substance. It may look a little strange on it's own, but that gel comes in handy when making gluten free baked goods.
Without gluten baked goods fall apart, which is why so many commercial gluten free products contain xanthan gum (xanthan gum: fermented rice, corn, or sometimes even wheat that's been dried and ground into a powder and used as a binder.) I've found that using 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds instead yields the same binding results and ups the nutritional value of the food. The chia gel also helps to keep you full longer, helping with weight control.
3 - Boosts Metabolism & Digestion
Because of the chia seeds high levels of fiber, it may help stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down the bodies process of converting carbohydrates into sugars. This can boost your metabolism as well as help lower LDLs (bad cholesterol).
4 - Benefits Endurance Athletes
The healthy benefits of chia seeds could be a great pre-workout boost for runners, CrossFitters, or any other high intensity or endurance sport. They can provide many of the same benefits of a sports drink (and might I add, are way better for you than an artificially enhanced, sugar-filled sports drink.)
According to [one] study, chia seeds can help athletes “carb load” for endurance events, while increasing their intake of nutrients and decreasing their intake of sugar. - Authority Nutrition
5 - Tastes Good in Anything
Chia seeds have a great nutty taste that add a wonderful flavor to whatever you put it in. Gluten free bread, smoothies, or salads. It isn't a strong flavor so it really goes good with just about whatever you add it to.
Enjoy!