Everything you need to know about chia seeds

Imagine holding a handful of tiny, shiny black treasures in the palm of your hand.

These treasures are chia seeds, seeds of a plant in the sage family that once grew in the far-flung regions of Mexico and Central America. These little seeds look like black gems, but they’re even more precious to your health!

Let us introduce you to this crunchy superfood with many superpowers!

 

What are chia seeds?

 

Chia seeds are small, oval, black seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant, native to Central America and cultivated for centuries. They have gained popularity as a healthy ingredient, among the superfoods, due to their nutritional profile and many health benefits.

 

What are the 5 main benefits of chia seeds?

 

1. Fill up on essential nutrients: chia seeds are rich in nutrients such as dietary fiber, omega-3s, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Their high protein content also makes them a coveted food in vegan diets.

 

2. Regulate appetite and ease transit: chia seeds are an excellent source of soluble fiber. These fibers help regulate intestinal activity, control satiety and stabilize blood sugar levels.

 

3. Take care of our heart and brain: rich in fiber and omega-3, these seeds help reduce the absorption of lipids, including cholesterol. What’s more, omega-3s are perfect for boosting your memory and concentration!

 

4. Fight fatigue: among their many virtues, the fatty acids contained in chia seeds reduce muscle fatigue.

 

5. Help lose weight: did you know that chia seeds can absorb several times their weight in water? They then form a thick gel in the stomach that helps reduce hunger pangs.

 

How to eat chia seeds?

 

This food has the advantage of being very versatile! By adding chia seeds to your lunch box, you can not only enjoy their nutritional benefits, but also add a touch of originality and creativity to your meals.

Here are 8 common ways to eat them:

 

1. Invite the star of puddings into your snack breaks

Mix chia seeds with plant milk in your MB Capsule or MB Delight. Leave in the fridge for a few hours, or even overnight, until the seeds absorb the liquid and form a thick chia seeds pudding. You can sweeten or flavor the pudding as you like!

 

2. Add creaminess to your smoothies

Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to your smoothie to boost the fiber and nutrient content. Chia seeds blend well and add a slightly gelatinous texture.

 

3. Add a crunchy note to your yoghurt

Sprinkle chia seeds over your favorite yogurt for a crunchy, nutritious topping!

 

4. Fill up on fiber at breakfast

Mix chia seeds with cereals, dried fruit (goji berries, almonds, hazelnuts, apricots, etc.) or pre-prepared muesli for a high-fiber breakfast. They’re also easy to incorporate into homemade pancakes and granola recipes.

 

5. Make your salads special

Sprinkle chia seeds over your salads – as you would do with pumpkin seeds – to add a touch of crunch and an extra amount of good nutrients. Your MB Jar salad lunch box is just waiting for your creativity to take part in your on-the-go lunches!

 

6. You can even bake chia seeds!

You can add chia seeds into your baked recipes, breads or cookies to boost the fiber and nutrient content. Make delicious lemon cake with chia seeds in your MB Sense!

 

7. Replace eggs

Chia seeds mixed with water can be used as an egg substitute for new vegan recipe ideas. One tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water creates a gel-like mixture that can replace eggs in some recipes.

 

8. Add texture

You can add chia seeds to your beverages, such as lemon water or juices, to create a refreshing drink with texture. Fill your MB Positive with tasty, reinvented drinks!

 

For a gluten-free diet

Chia seeds are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent option for those following a gluten-free diet. They are a beneficial and versatile source of nutrition that can add originality and nutritional richness to this type of diet. Opt for certified gluten-free brands if you’re following a strict diet.

 

 

To sum up: are chia seeds good for you? These exceptional seeds are an excellent source of essential nutriments and a great way to vary your diet! Just a small seed, but with great power to nourish your body and your imagination.