8 Amazing Ideas for How to Eat Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are tiny edible seeds that are black and white in color and have a mild, nutty flavor. They are relatively easy to find in any major grocery store. They come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica. The plant is native to Mexico, and it dates way back. Aztec and Mayan cultures knew of the chia seed’s remarkable properties and used it as an energy booster.

Nowadays they are a healthy addition to the diet. I like to sprinkle them on oatmeal and mix them in cucumber or fruit-flavored water to enjoy during summer. When you add these to water, they plump up to form a gel-like consistency which is easier to swallow and digest. 

According to Medical News, despite their small size, chia seeds have a lot to offer. A few teaspoons of chia seeds are high in omega-3, iron, fiber, and calcium.

Let’s explore different ways to incorporate these super versatile seeds into your regular diet.

1. Drinks

There are three ways to make chia drinks:

a. Soak a teaspoon of chia seeds in 1/4 cup of water, let it sit on the kitchen counter overnight, and then drink on empty stomach first thing in the morning.

b. Fill your regular water bottle with a few cucumber and lemon slices and 1-2 teaspoons of chia seeds and then sip throughout the day.

c. Make a refreshing lemonade by using water or coconut water, lemon juice, chia seeds, mint leaves, and sweetener.

2. Oatmeals

Sprinkle a few tablespoons over freshly prepared warm oatmeal or add in overnight oats.

3. Smoothies

Add a few tablespoons or less of seeds to your favorite fruit or vegetable smoothies.

4. Salad Dressings

Add about a tablespoon of seeds to any salad dressing recipe to thicken. They blend well with salad dressing ingredients such as vinegar, honey, and lemon juice.

5. Puddings

Chia seed pudding might just be the easiest healthy breakfast or dessert to make. All you need to do is to add milk and a few tablespoons of seeds and sweetener to a jar. Stir everything well and let it sit for a couple of hours or overnight, then stir again before serving. Finally, top it up with your favorite fruits and nuts.

6. Granola or Energy Bars

Make energy bars or homemade granola with chia seeds along with dates, oats, coconut oil, dry fruit, or other add-ins to make a perfect snack or breakfast treat.

7. Jam

When added with frozen berries these seeds make a perfect jam that’s better than traditional jams. Spread on toast and muffins or drizzle over yogurt, warm oatmeal, and ice cream. To make a simple chia seed jam, add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to about 2 cups of fresh/frozen fruit such as strawberries. Add sweetener like honey or sugar as desired, and let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes. As the mixture sits, it will take on a jam-like consistency.

8. Egg substitute in baking

Chia gel helps keep baked goods moist and may be used in place of eggs or as a thickener. Take a tablespoon of chia seeds and add them to a bowl, add 3 tablespoons of water to the seeds. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, and you’ve got an awesome egg replacement!