Chia seeds have quickly become one of the most popular health foods, and it is easy to see why. They are incredibly easy to digest and are versatile enough to be added to just about any recipe. In addition, they do not have a strong taste, so you can include them to anything you are eating or drinking without affecting its natural flavor.
What are Chia Seeds?
The chia plant is a type of mint plant, first found in Central America. Its seeds are known as “chia seeds,” a glutton and grain free product that is quickly becoming one of the most versatile superfoods. A single serving of chia seeds has the same amount of calcium as one glass of milk, the same number of antioxidants as blueberries, and more Omega 3s than a serving of walnuts. Experts say they can help with weight loss without resulting in poor eating habits, and they can also boost your energy without keeping you up at night.
How Water Affects Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds can absorb almost 12 times their weight in water. This helps slow down digestion, keeping you full longer, preventing your blood sugar from spiking and them plummeting, and keeping you hydrated longer. It also produces a gelatinous coating on the outside of the seeds, which gives an interesting texture when consumed and helps the body digest the seed’s nutrients easier.
Why Soak Chia Seeds Before Use?
Chia seeds expand once they come into contact with water, so downing a spoonful of dry chia is not a great idea. It can cause digestive issues and difficulty swallowing if you do not take the time to soak them before you eat. Soaking them also gives them a chance to develop a gel-like coating, which makes them even easier for your body to digest.
Some people have an issue with the texture of the seeds. They do have a crunchy exterior that can sometimes make them hard for some individuals to stomach with certain foods. Soaking chia seeds in water for an extended period can solve that problem by softening the seeds up enough to make them palatable.
How to Use Chia Seeds in Water?
There are numerous ways you can use chia seeds in water to get all their health benefits. The quickest way is to simply soak a chia seeds in drinking water, consuming the seeds and the water. Making chia water involves soaking one to two tablespoons of chia seeds in three cups of water. Put the mixture in a jar with a lid and set it in the fridge overnight. Your chia water is ready to drink the next morning – just be sure you shake the jar to mix up the seeds.
You can also blend pre-soaked seeds with frozen berries, juice and water to make a delicious and nutritious smoothie. Some people add fruit juice to their chia water or mixing the seeds with fruit infused water. In warmer weather, you can also make chia seed ice cubes to keep you cool.
If you prefer to eat your chia seeds, once they have been presoaked there are numerous ways to use them. Some people sprinkle them on yogurt, others include them in their cooking. Another popular way to consume this incredible superfood is to sprinkle a tablespoon or so into a stir fry. As mentioned, chia seeds do not have a strong flavor, making it simple to add them virtually unnoticed to any recipe.
Consuming chia seeds carries with it numerous health benefits. Experts believe it strengthens your immune system while also boosting your metabolism and keeping your bones strong. Learning how to best consume chia seeds can go a long way to keeping you healthy, while also expanding your pallet and introducing an entire new food to experiment with in the kitchen.
