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Chia seeds have sprinkled themselves onto the scene because of their fantastic health properties. The chia seeds plant, Salvia hispanica, originates from Central America and grows tiny pods bursting with seeds.
Chia seeds are a medley of black, deep blue and greyish-white. They have a light, nutty taste and a texture that resembles poppy seeds.
In this article, we’re laying out the benefits of chia seeds, ways to eat chia seeds and potential side effects.
What do organic chia seeds do for the body?
Chia seeds are a superfood because they are abundant in minerals and healthy fats. Read on to find out what regularly consuming chia seeds can do for your body.
Rich in omega-3 for heart health
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Omega-3 is a healthy fatty acid that supports heart health. It does this by lowering a different type of fat (triglycerides), which can increase the chance of blood clots and harden artery walls.
Omega-3 is also an excellent anti-inflammatory. It calms irritated cells and widens blood vessels for better circulation, enhancing energy and putting less strain on the heart.
Source of plant-based and vegan protein
Chia seeds are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is ideal if you follow a vegan diet. Protein is needed for muscle growth and repair, so drink a chia seed protein shake to maintain strength.
Supports collagen production for youthful skin
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Collagen makes up 30% of your body’s overall protein and keeps skin cells elasticated, firm, and bouncy. Your body needs amino acids to synthesise collagen, and chia seeds are full of them. So, taking organic chia seeds consistently could contribute to a glowy complexion.
Mineral-rich for increased energy and better sleep
Chia seeds are packed with minerals, including iron, copper, magnesium, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, and manganese. These minerals help boost energy and improve the sleep hormone melatonin, promoting high-quality sleep and longer sleep duration.
Perfect for a keto diet
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The ketogenic diet (keto) involves following a high-fat and extremely low-carb diet. It switches your body from running on glucose to running on a naturally produced chemical called ketones.
The keto diet is highly beneficial for weight loss and increasing energy. It’s also been used as a treatment for people with epilepsy to reduce seizures.
Finding foods to fit the keto diet can be tricky, but chia seeds fit the bill. They’re abundant in healthy fats and low in carbs, making them the perfect addition to keto-friendly meals.
Best organic chia seeds
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There are many different types of chia seeds, and knowing the best one is vital to maximising their benefits. Below, we’ve listed the top organic chia seeds to stock in your cupboard.
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Our organic black chia seeds pack a whopping 20 grams of protein and 38 grams of fibre per 100 grams. That’s pretty powerful stuff. You can add these whole chia seeds to almost anything, including porridge, stir-fries and smoothies.
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Whole chia seeds can be crunchy, and you may prefer a smooth blend for baking or mixing into recipes. These organic ground chia seeds are gluten-free, high in protein and fibre and will help satiate your hunger for longer.
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We’ve ramped up the protein percentage with this organic chia seed protein powder. It has 36 grams of protein per 100 grams and is easy to blend into protein shakes and smoothies. Use it to hit your protein intake for muscle growth and repair, extra energy, youthful skin and healthy hair growth.
What are sprouted chia seeds?
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Sprouted chia seeds are when the seeds have been germinated, so they sprout little green shoots. This may superpower chia seeds' potential by increasing their nutritional value but eating un-sprouted chia seeds is still excellent for your health.
How to sprout chia seeds
If you want to sprout chia seeds, you need whole chia seeds. Place them on a damp linen or nylon cloth and cover with a plate. If they haven’t sprouted within a few days, they may need another fine mist of water. You can then add the sprouted chia seeds to salads for a dose of microgreens.
Ways to eat chia seeds
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You’ve got your chia seeds, but what do you do with them? Try our top tips for eating organic chia seeds.
- Top your porridge with organic chia seeds
- Whiz into smoothies
- Snack on chia seed protein bars
- Mix them into a stir-fry
- Sprinkle over salads
- Bake chia seed bread
- Make chia seed pudding
- Have chia seed muffins
- Try chia seed pancakes
- Put chia seeds into yoghurt
Potential side effects of chia seeds
Consuming excessive amounts of chia seeds can lead to weight gain because, although healthy, they are high in fat. Too many can also cause digestive issues like cramping and bloating and may lead to an allergic reaction. Therefore, it’s vital to consume chia seeds in moderation.
FAQs about organic chia seeds
If you have a few questions about chia seeds, look no further. We’ve got the answers to the most frequently chia seed asked questions.
What's the difference between organic chia seeds and regular chia seeds?
Organic chia seeds are grown without synthetic fertilisers that may contain harmful chemicals or heavy metals. They’re also not sprayed with toxic herbicides or pesticides, which can cause a tummy ache if digested. Regular chia seeds may have been grown in poor-quality fertilisers and sprayed with pesticides.
Is it worth buying organic chia seeds?
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Yes, buying organic chia seeds when you can is worth it. It’s more environmentally friendly because the seeds aren’t grown with synthetic fertilisers. You also don’t have to worry about harmful pesticides or herbicides, which you might ingest if you select non-organic chia seeds.
Which form of chia seeds is best?
Ground chia seeds may have slightly more nutritional value than whole chia seeds because the milling process makes them easier to digest. However, the difference is extremely slight, and you’ll get the superior benefits of chia seeds from both whole and ground seeds.
Fuel your body with organic chia seeds
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Chia seeds are so simple to include in your lifestyle that you’re missing out if they’re not in your pantry! Grab organic chia seeds, milled chia seeds, or chia seed protein powder and enjoy the wonderful health benefits. Take charge of your wellness and introduce chia seeds into your diet with Grape Tree.
