Chia Seeds? More than Just an Infomercial!

We’ve all heard those chia pet commercials on TV — you can create your own chia cat or even a Chia Mr. T!

But lately chia seeds have become the hot item. So hot that it’s been hard for Ingles (look for chia seeds on the baking aisle) to keep them in stock!

So what’s the deal with chia seeds? Are they really a “superfood”?

Chia seeds come from a plant found in Mexico called salvia hispanica. Aztecs consumed chia seeds as part of their diet. It’s been determined that chia seeds are rich in antioxidants (cancer fighting properties) and omega 3-fatty acids and unlike flax seeds do not have to be ground for their benefits to be absorbed by the body.

One ounce of chia seed: 137 calories; 9 grams fat; 12 grams carbohydrates (11 grams fiber); 4 grams protein. Chia seeds contain about 18% of daily value of calcium and are also high in phosphorous and manganese.

Chia seeds are incredibly hydrophyllic (they like water) and will absorb up to 12 times their weight in water. Just add water to a serving of chia seeds and wait; they will form a gel (soluble fiber). Some believe that this action may help with satiety and weight gain. Because of their hydrophyllic properties, chia seeds may help with hydration, especially for athletes, as they help maintain fluid balance when sweating.

What can you do with chia seeds?

1. Add them to recipes for baked goods.

2. Stir them in to whole grain dishes like rice, barley, oats

3. Add chia seeds to yogurt.

4. Add chia seeds to beverages and smoothies.

5. Add them to your hot or cold cereal.

By adding chia seeds to recipes you are increasing the soluble fiber content as well as the antioxidants, omega 3-fatty acids and protein.