The word ‘chia’ comes from the Mayan language and means ‘strength’. Chia seeds are collected from the chia plant, scientifically named Salvia Hispanica. Chia seeds contain extremely high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, a great deal of protein, fiber, and calcium, and plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Chia seeds are packed with nutrients but low in calories, so they are also a great tool for weight loss. Moreover, chia seeds soluble fiber helps to stabilize blood glucose levels resulting in steady, sustained energy. Chia seeds can be used in a variety of ways raw, added to salads, soups and main courses, added to flour for baking, or added to juices and smoothies. Learn how to introduce chia seeds to your diet.
See also:
Chia Seeds Benefits for Skin and Health
Chia Seeds Diet: Drinks
Add chia seeds to water, lime juice, pomegranate juice for a healthy and refreshing drink. The chia seeds can also be blended in smoothies along with vanilla or chocolate flavored non-diary milk, frozen raspberries, bananas or other personal fruit choices.
Chia Seeds Diet: Salads
Make your salad a bit crunchy by sprinkling raw chia seeds on top. Add chia seeds to salad dressings. For nutty flavor, chia seeds can also be baked and added to fresh mixed salads.
Chia Seeds Diet: Soups
Chia seeds are a great addition to any soup. For example you can make a lovely chia cauliflower soup within minutes. Blend boiled cauliflower and chia seeds into a rich and creamy soup for thickness and flavor it with parsley and pepper.
See also:
Foods for Beautiful Skin
Chia Seeds Diet: Main Courses
Chia seeds can be used in almost any main course dish. Mix white chia seeds that have been soaked in milk through mashed potatoes. Add ground seeds soaked in an egg to bind a hamburger mix. Use chopped chia seeds as a coating for baked chicken for dinner. Mix chia seeds with ground beef for meatballs.
Chia Seeds Diet: Baking
Chia seed gel can substitute for half the butter in most recipes! The food will bake the same and taste the same (or better) from the addition of the chia gel. Add ground chia seeds to flour when making bread.
Chia Seeds Diet: Desserts
Grind seeds and mix with flour, milk and eggs to make pancakes. Pureed fruit, chia seeds and a little fruit juice is a good topping for ice cream. Add whole or ground chia seeds to cookie mixes. Also, chia seeds are a great addition to puddings and jelly-based desserts.
See also:
The Raw Food Detox Diet
The Spectrum Diet