Recently you’ve observed delicious-looking puddings and smoothies made with chia seeds jumping up on your Instagram feed a lot. Chia seeds have even been called a Superfood in recent years and claims for several health benefits including weight loss. In this article, we will be talking about what are kind seeds they are and how they can help you in shedding weight.
What are chia seeds?
Chia is a member of the mint family and a native of Mexico that are consumed like whole grains, but they’re pseudo-grain which means they’re the carbohydrate-rich seeds of a non-grass plant and when chia seeds meet liquid, they develop and form a thick gel. Over the last era or so, they’ve experienced a minor following but lately made its entry again on the market as a potential super food.
Do chia seeds help you lose weight?
There are many affirmative reports that suggest chia seeds manage your appetite and promote weight loss. The basic theory is that since chia seeds are heavy and high in fiber that keep you fuller longer and therefore helps in curbing overeating.
Two tablespoons of chia seeds have almost 10 grams of fiber which is around 40 percent of the suggested daily consumption. Diets high in fiber have been associated with weight loss and eating 30 grams of fiber daily may help you lose as much weight as if you followed a more complex diet, according to 2015 research.
Here’s the catch, though. Research doesn’t back the hype. There are few human studies on chia seeds and weight loss. If you use them in moderation then it may help you feel more fulfilled and less likely to eat too much. But, if you eat too many throughout the day then you may go over your daily calorie limit. They can be used in many ways. You can have them in your breakfast or your evening snacks. Sometimes if you do not want to have your lunch then you can have a smoothie made from chia seeds that will keep you full till the evening. Next, I will talk about the ways in which chia seeds can be used for consumption.
Ideal ways to use chia seeds
Chia seeds have nearly no taste so they can blend well with so many recipes. They can be combined with any liquid, which includes juice or even plain water. Make sure that you have soaked chia seeds have completely and fully expanded before consumption or use. Do not eat chia seeds dry it can harm you, especially it is a big no if you have difficulty swallowing. As chia seeds absorb many times their weight in water, dry seeds may expand in the esophagus and cause a blockage.
You can experiment and try adding chia seeds to:
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
- Salads
- Salad dressing
- Yogurt
- Soups or gravy
- Muffins
- Homemade bread
- Baked goods in place of eggs
- Chia Pudding
When using chia seeds, remember the fact that the more seeds you use and the longer they take time to sit, and the thicker the final product will be. Also, if you aren’t a fan of the texture of chia seeds then blend them to your favored texture.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
