Photo Credit: "© [Yuliiaholovchenko] / Adobe Stock
As well as being a great source of fibre, chia seeds have three times more iron than spinach and twice as much potassium as bananas. They may be tiny but these are truly mighty. The word 'chia' itself means 'strength,' derived from the Mayan language.
The winner in our fibre top 10, chia seeds contain a staggering 34.4g of fibre per 100g portion. The seed of the salvia hispanica plant, a member of the mint family, chia seeds come from North, Central and South America. And there is evidence to suggest that ancient Mayan and Aztec civilisations consumed chia seeds.
CHIA UP YOUR DAY
Here are five ways to get more chia into your diet:
1. Jam: Since chia turns jellylike with water, just add fruit and water to make a healthy jam. One tablespoon of chia seeds for every cup of mashed fruit.
2. Yoghurt: Include chia in your morning full-fat Greek yoghurt. Now add fruit and cinnamon for the perfect start.
3. Super smoothy: 1 tbsp chia, 1 frozen banana, 1 handful spinach, 2tbsp cacao powder, 1 cup almond milk. Combine in a mixer with ice, blend and enjoy.
4. Healthy crust: Replace starchy flour toppings on your favourite dishes with 1 cup of almond powder mixed with 1 tbsp of chia seeds. Add your favourite spices, like turmeric or garlic powder, and bake in the goodness.
5. Dip in: Load in fibre and protein by adding these tasteless little seeds to your hummus, guacamole, or tzatziki.
Explore our range of Chia Seeds online for whole, milled and organic varieties.
* SOURCE: usda.gov, based on 100g portion.
