Chia Seeds Black 100g

Chia seeds are tiny black seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica, which is related to the mint. Chia seeds were an important food for the Aztecs and Mayans. They prized them for their ability to provide sustainable energy. In fact, "chia" is the ancient Mayan word for "strength."

For such a small seed, chia seeds contain some important nutrients.

Chia seeds are rich in fibre – which helps with satiety, the feeling of fullness. A 25g portion of chia seeds contains approximately 9g of fibre. The daily recommended amount of fibre is 30g, so including a 25g portion of chia seeds each day could be a useful contribution. Fibre is important for a healthy digestive system and many of us do not reach the recommended target.

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, as well as enhancing brain and potentially heart health. Chia seeds contain omega-3 in the plant form: alpha linolenic acid (ALA) making them a valuable source for vegans and vegetarians.

Chia seeds are relatively high in protein – so are a useful source of plant protein and provide a range of amino acids, particularly for vegetarian and vegan diets.

The combination of fat, protein and fibre means the seeds are digested relatively slowly, providing long, slow release of energy to keep blood-sugar levels stable.

Seeds are rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium and trace elements such as manganese, which helps make enzymes.

You can easily make chia pudding, one of the most popular ways to eat the seeds, by mixing a quarter of a cup of the seeds in one cup of liquid (almond milk and fruit juice are popular choices). Once the seeds have gelled up and the mixture is no longer watery, the "pudding" is ready to eat. This can take as little as 15 minutes, although chia pudding keeps well in the fridge for several days. Since chia doesn't have a ton of flavor on its own, feel free to add spices, chopped fruit, nuts, and any other toppings you'd like.

Dry chia seeds can also be added whole or ground to smoothies and juices, mixed into yoghurt or oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of a salad. If you're adding the seeds to a drink or a "wet" dish like oatmeal, they'll swell up slightly while you eat, but they'll retain a slight crunch. And although these are some of the more common ways to eat chia, its mild flavor and compact size make it easy to slip a spoonful into pretty much anything—so experiment!