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Chia Seeds

Also Known As : Mexican chia or salba chia
Technical Name : Salvia hispanica
MySmartKitchenTM 2

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Chia seeds have a mild and nutty flavour and appear like a gel when soaked in water

Usage Tips

  1. Chia seeds can be used to make detox and fruit infused water.
  2. Dry chia seeds can be added to as whole or in grounded form in smoothies and fruit juices.
  3. Soaked chia seeds can be added to puddings along with fruits and other seeds to make a nutritous breakfast meal.

Common names and forms

  1. Bagrry's Organics Chia
  2. Chia
  3. Chia Seeds (Brown)
  4. Chia Seeds (White)
  5. Chia Seeds Black
  6. Chia Seeds Powder
  7. Chia Seeds White
  8. Indian Chia Seeds
  9. Organic Black Chia Seeds
  10. Organic Chia Seeds (Salvia Hispanica)
  11. Premium Exotic Chia Seeds
  12. Pure Chia Seeds
  13. Raw Black Chia Seeds
  14. Raw Chia
  15. Raw Chia Seeds
  16. Raw Organic Chia Seeds
  17. Raw White Chia Seeds
  18. Salvia Hispanica
  19. Whole Chia Seeds

Description

Chia seeds come from a desert plant known as Salvia hispanica. Quite recently chia seeds have come into the limelight and are known as “superfoods" due to their extensive nutritional benefits. Chia seeds found its origin in Mexico but today it is grown and in several countries like Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Peru, and the United States and consumed world wide. These seeds have a smooth, shiny and oval surface and range from dark brown and black to greyish white in color. Chia seeds are unprocessed seeds that can be absorbed by the body easily.

Health benefits

  • Chia seeds is loaded with antioxidants which fight the production of free radicals, which are responsible for cell damage and prevent aging and diseases like cancer. (1) 
  • Around 28 gm of chia seeds contain 12 gm of carbohydrate out of which 11 gm of it is fiber. Fiber has the ability to increase the feeling of fullness and slow down the absorption of food which reduces the overall food intake. This aids the process of weight loss. (1)
  • Chia seeds can reduce the amount of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the body. This balances the cholesterol levels in the body.This helps in maintenance of heart health. (1) 
  • Chia seeds are high in good quality protein. It may reduce appetite and frequent cravings which is the major factor to aid in weight loss. (1) 
  • Chia seeds have the ability to convert glucose into a slow-release carbohydrate. This helps the body to act on symptoms of type 2 diabetes like insulin resistance and lower blood glucose levels. Chia seeds are high in good quality protein. It may reduce appetite and frequent cravings which is the major factor to aid in weight loss. (2) 
     

Selection Guide

Good quality chia seeds are naturally black or white (the pack has a mix of two colors) in color. Avoid choosing brown color seeds as it indicates inferior quality. Chia seeds are naturally gluten free but checking of label is important in case of cross contamination which may cause allergic reactions.

Note

  • Chia contains a lot of alpha-linolenic acid. It is advised that people with prostrate cancer should not consume more of chia seeds as it may aggravate the symptoms of prostrate cancer. (3) 
  • Since chia seeds can absorb a lot of liquid, it's important to stay well-hydrated while consuming it. (4)
  • Another potential health risk of eating chia seeds in excess is digestive issues like constipation due to its high fiber content. (5)

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds

(2) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/291334.php#benefits

(3) https://www.medicinenet.com/chia/supplements-vitamins.htm

(4) https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/chia-seeds

(5) https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/chia-seeds-nutrition-health-benefits-how-cook-more/#healthbenefits

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”