For raw chia seeds, you can soak chia seeds with warm water first and then use them or sprinkle a spoonful of chia seeds directly into yogurt, wait 15-20 minutes for the chia seeds to bloom and then use.
Dry chia seeds can also be added whole or ground to smoothies and juices, mixed into yogurt and oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of a salad. If you're adding the seeds to a drink or a "wet" dish like porridge, they'll swell up slightly while you eat but retain a slight crunch.
To get the best results, you will want to soak chia seeds in yogurt overnight, or for about 8-12 hours. Soaking chia seeds in yogurt works best with thinner, runnier yogurts since they have more moisture. If you use thick yogurt, there won't be enough liquid for the chia seeds to plump up.
Adding chia seeds to your yogurt will add fiber, protein, Omega 3's, and other important vitamins and minerals.
Smoothies or Yogurt - Add 1 tablespoon of chia to your favorite smoothie or yogurt. Pudding - Make a delicious pudding using chia and milk or milk alternative. Baked Goods - Add some chia to the recipe. Egg Substitute - Soak 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 1/4 cup of water to replace 1 egg in a recipe.
Chia seeds serving size
If you can begin adding chia seeds to your diet, it's best to adhere to the recommended serving size. The serving size for adults is 15grams (2 tablespoons) daily. For children and teens ages 5 to 18 years the recommended amount is 1.4 to 4.3 grams daily.
A common dosage recommendation is 0.7 ounces (20 grams or about 1.5 tablespoons) of chia seeds twice per day. Remember to drink plenty of water to prevent any digestive side effects. Chia seeds are easy to prepare and often used as an egg substitute and added to oatmeal or smoothies.
Soak the seeds in almond milk or water (1/4 cup seeds to 1 cup liquid) until they take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding, about 20 minutes. Soaked chia seeds can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, so you can make a big batch at the start of the week.
One of the simplest ways to include chia seeds in your diet is to add them to water. To make chia water, soak 1/4 cup (40 grams) of chia seeds in 4 cups (1 liter) of water for 20–30 minutes. To give your drink some flavor, you can add chopped fruit or squeeze in a lemon, lime, or orange.
The ideal time to have chia seed water is in the morning on empty stomach. And you can also have them in between meals.
Summary: Chia seeds are able to absorb 10–12 times their weight in liquid. If they're not soaked before you eat them, they may expand and cause a blockage, increasing your risk of choking.
However, if you eat dry chia seeds, without giving them any liquid to absorb before ingesting them, they'll absorb the water within your system and potentially cause a blockage.
Chia seeds do not need to be washed.
Chia Pudding with Greek Yogurt is deliciously creamy, totally healthy, and very quick and easy to make. The perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack to grab on the go.
Time: Gelling chia seeds takes time! Recipes like chia pudding are best when chia sits in liquid for a few hours, or even overnight. If you want your chia seeds to have that gel-like consistency, they need to sit for a minimum of 20 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Although many people prefer to soak chia seeds, you can eat them raw, too. Try grinding and sprinkling them on your smoothie or oatmeal.
Chia seeds are a great source of fibre. Consuming chia seeds with water in the morning helps in giving your digestive system a boost and improves bowel movement. Healthy digestion is a prerequisite to weight loss. The best time to eat chia seeds is when you wake up.
"Chia seeds are really good for us, so there's some truth to how chia seed water can benefit you," says Amanda Beaver, a wellness dietitian at Houston Methodist. "There's no real downside to drinking it, but there are a few things I recommend keeping in mind."
It is important to soak your chia seeds and activate the mucilage because it creates positive changes in the nutritional and physical properties of the chia seeds that make them even more beneficial for your health. Here are some important changes that happen to chia seeds soaked in water.
While chia seed water can be a part of a healthy diet pattern, it's important not to rely on it for weight loss or any single health goal. Furthermore, don't consume an enormous amount of it. Instead, make it part of an overall healthy diet. Generally, one serving of chia seeds is 2 tablespoons (20 grams).
Chia seeds are packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, protein, antioxidants, and minerals such as calcium. These nutrients give it a range of benefits, such as boosting weight loss to controlling blood sugar levels. They also support bone and tooth health, boost metabolism, and reduce inflammation.
Yes, too many chia seeds can cause harm in the body. For one thing, excessive and incorrect consumption can trigger constipation. This can lead to massive gastrointestinal problems. In addition, it should be noted that chia seeds are said to have a blood-thinning and blood pressure-lowering effect.
Chia seeds have slightly fewer calories and more fiber. They also have 2.5 times more of the bone-strengthening mineral calcium, as well as slightly more iron and phosphorus. Both seeds are very nutritious. If you're looking for more omega-3s, pick flax seeds.
“Chia and flax seeds should be stored in the fridge to extend their life and to prevent their volatile oils from becoming rancid or from oxidizing.”
4. Allergies. "Chia seeds are in the mint family, so people with known allergies to mint, sesame, or mustard seeds should be cautious about trying chia seeds," Zellner says. "Food allergy symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, itching of the lips or tongue, or anaphylaxis."