18/08/2021
Chia seeds seem to be popping up in every grocery store, and on the menu of every hot brunch spot. What ARE they though? Are they even good for you?
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𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆'𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 - Antioxidants basically make the impossible possible: they slow down aging signs, resulting in younger looking skin, healthier hair, basically fountain of youth/miracle molecules.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆'𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿 - Almost all the carbs in chia seeds are actually fiber. This means so many good things. 1. You'll stay full longer. 2. It will aid in keeping your gut health in check.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆'𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮-𝟯 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗱𝘀 - Omega-3s are SUPER important. They have a wide range of benefits, from fighting depression, to improving sleep, to reducing the risk of heart disease. The bummer is, there aren't very many foods that supply omega-3s. There's really just fish, walnuts, and flax seeds. Over half of chia seed's fat is omega-3s, making it an excellent choice for all omega-related health.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆’𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻! - For people that don't eat meat, finding foods with protein can be a drag. Don't worry, chia seeds TO THE RESCUE! There's 4 grams of protein per 2 tablespoon serving. Pair that with peanut butter on oats and you've got enough energy to last you well past lunch.
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𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗶𝘂𝗺? 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗮'𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝘁! - Believe it or not, chia seeds have more calcium ounce for ounce than most dairy products. If you don't eat dairy, this could be a life-changer. If you DO eat dairy, pair it with yogurt for a healthy dose of the good stuff.
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𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺?
In vegan baking, they can replace eggs. To use them as an egg substitute in baking, try mixing 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water, then let them sit for a few minutes. A gel will form that can be used instead of eggs in baking.
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𝗔𝗻𝗱… they are gluten-free and easily digestible. It’s all win-win with chia seeds.