Chia seeds date back as far as 3500 BC and were a staple in the Aztecs’ diet. In Mayan, “chia” means strength, which makes sense considering chia seeds are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. These tiny seeds are an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants - they are health-benefits bombs.
Because of their nutrients, chia seeds are one of the most popular superfoods. You can find them in a variety of recipes, such as puddings, oats, smoothies, baked goods, and more!
So, why should you be adding them to your diet? Here are five powerful reasons you should be adding chia seeds to your breakfast, lunch, and dinner…
5 reasons why you need chia seeds in your diet
1. Chia seeds are loaded with antioxidants
Chia seeds just might be your answer to glowing, youthful skin. Why? Because they’re loaded with antioxidants.
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect your skin from free radical damage and prevent oxidative stress. Think of them as your personal bodyguard, protecting your skin from UV rays, pollution, and smoke. They also encourage cell growth and help reverse some signs of ageing.
Research shows that the high antioxidant content of chia seeds can help stop up to 70 percent of free radical activity! Pretty impressive for a little seed, right? That’s why you can find chia seeds in the Forever Beautiful mix – an antioxidant-rich superfood mix with acai and maqui to top up your daily intake of vitamin C.
2. Chia seeds are great for digestion
Chia seeds are 40% fibre by weight –making them one of the best sources of fibre in the world. But why do you need fibre in your diet? By binding water, the high soluble fibre of chia seeds helps promote regular bowel movements. Fibre also feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut, which is important for keeping your gut flora balanced. Plus, the fibre in chia seeds expands in your stomach and can help you feel fuller for longer.
3. Chia seeds are high in protein
Chia seeds contain about 17% protein, which is fairly high compared to most other plants. They also have a good balance of essential amino acids, which makes them a convenient protein source for people who follow a plant-based diet.
4. Chia seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that cannot be produced by the body, but can be found in certain foods – and they play an important role in your health: Omega-3s have been shown to support the function of the brain, heart and eyes.
Just like flax seeds, chia seeds contain a high amount of Omega 3s, making it a good source of healthy fat. In fact, they contain more Omega 3s than salmon!
5. Chia seeds area a vegan source of calcium
Calcium is important for strong bones – and just two tablespoons of chia seeds cover nearly 20% of the daily recommended intake! In fact, chia seeds contain more calcium than dairy products (and are more easily difested by the body), what's not to like about them?
How to eat more chia seeds?
This tiny, flavourless superfood goes great in just about anything! The average serving size for adults is 2 tablespoons per day, which is all you need to get 3 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, 11 grams of fibre, plus vitamins and minerals.
You can find chia seeds in the Forever Beautiful mix, a superfood blend that combines chia seeds benefits with skin-nourishing beauty berries. Use daily for a true vitamin C and antioxidant-boost!
Sprinkle chia seeds in your yogurt, smoothies, and oatmeal. Or, mix them in your favourite jam, bliss balls, or pudding. Looking for more inspiration? Head over to the recipe blog, where you'll find more delicious (and healthy!) dishes to easily add more chia seeds to your daily meals.
