What are chia seeds? Aren’t they those funny looking fake pets sold years ago? : )
✅Chia Seeds are tiny black seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant, a relative to mint. The Aztecs and Mayans used them for strength and energy. Only recently has modern society considered this whole grain a superfood.
👍🏾 Some researchers believe they are one of the MOST nutritious foods you can eat.
✅ Chia seeds are packed with healthy fats and fiber; B vitamins which help with energy, mood, and brain power; and zinc, an important immune boosting mineral.
✅Because of their incredible fiber content, they’ll keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours after eating. Just 1 ounce (28 grams) contains 11 grams of fiber! That’s only about 2 tablespoons.
👉🏾They are a good plant-based source of protein, having essential amino acids which may help with reducing your appetite and cravings. Some studies also show they may help lower triglycerides, blood sugar, and belly fat.
👉🏾And for those of us with autoimmune or chronic health conditions or really anyone trying to prevent illness, studies have shown chia seeds can help lower inflammation which we know can lead to health issues and disease.
💜 Some studies indicate they help reduce blood pressure. Plus, they contain minerals that support bone health such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. 💪
👩🏾🍳 Chia seeds are easy to add to your diet – sprinkle them on salads or yogurt, make a pudding by soaking them in liquid for 20 minutes, or use them as a thickener in recipes. They also are a great addition to smoothies.
👉🏾When combined with eating real whole foods and lifestyle factors, chia seeds may be one of those gluten free foods you want to add to your diet.
💜 Here’s one of my favorite ways to eat chia seeds. 👇👇
Chia Seed Pudding. Yum! Click here for a chia seed pudding recipe. Yummy!
❓What’s one way you can incorporate chia seeds into your diet this week?
I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and a speech-language pathologist. After helping my family and myself with autoimmune issues, food sensitivities, and digestive problems for years, I went back to school to become an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and later did more advanced training and certification. Why? Because I wanted to help others who have similar symptoms such as brain fog, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, weight problems, and hormonal imbalances. Over the years I have been able to help others decrease those symptoms through more holistic techniques including nutrition and lifestyle modifications. And I’d love to help you, too. So click here to schedule a free 20-minute discovery session to see if we’d be a good fit to work together. –Leah Cheshire, MCD, CCC-SLP, NBC-HWC
