Apricot Chia Homemade Energy Bars Recipe - Easy Snack Idea! (2024)

FAQs

What to do with chia seeds? ›

You don't need to grind, cook, or otherwise prepare them, making them a handy addition to recipes. They can be eaten raw, soaked in juice, or added to oatmeal, pudding, smoothies, and baked goods. You can also sprinkle them on top of cereal, yogurt, vegetables, or rice dishes.

"Pulse them into smoothies, make crackers, sprinkle them toasted into your favorite porridge or pilaf," suggests Beitchman. "For a nuttier profile, you can toast chia seeds in a 325°F oven for about 3 to 5 minutes until they become fragrant. Then add them to foods as you would the raw varieties."

It is a very small black and white seed and easily available in India. The best way to have Chia seeds is to toss it into a healthy juice or healthy smoothie. The effect it has that it tends to thicken the juice or smoothie. Just stire and enjoy it.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

You may add chia seeds straight to products that have liquid, like juice or yogurt. Eating with Purpose suggests making chia gel. You can make chia gel by stirring 1/3 cup of chia seeds into 2 cups warm water and letting the mixture thicken. The longer the gel sits, the thicker it gets.

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

A 2-tablespoon serving (which is a TON of seeds) has 150 calories, 10g of fiber, 6g of protein and 10g of fat, most of which is the healthy polyunsaturated variety. In terms of how much chia to eat each day, it's smart to stick to the 2-tablespoon serving size.

In Mexico, chia seeds are often stirred into fruity drinks where they turn gelatinous and add a nice texture to the beverage. Chia can also be used in breads and baked goods, but making chia fresca is one of the quickest, easiest, and a most delicious way to get some chia seeds into your diet.

Chia seeds have a fairly long shelf life, lasting anywhere from two to five years depending on their method of storage. At the bare minimum, be sure to keep the seeds in an airtight container that is stored in a cool, dry place like a pantry.

Is it better to soak chia seeds before eating them? ›

Soaking makes it way easier for your body to grab all the good stuff from chia seeds. The jelly-like layer around them helps break down the essential nutrients, so your body can use them like a champ. It also makes chia seeds super easy on your tummy, no weird feelings there.

Do you HAVE to soak chia seeds all the time? No, you don't. If you are serving more than a sprinkle or not mixing it through food, then yes, it is probably a very good idea to soak them so they are easy to swallow. Anything that can stick together and become claggy or hard to swallow should be avoided.

Chia seeds as part of a healthy diet

There is no RDA for chia seeds. Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons. Two tablespoons provide all of the nutritional benefits listed above. Soaked chia seeds have a gel-like texture.

When it comes to adding chia seeds to the diet, people often wonder if it's necessary to soak them before eating. Soaking chia seeds makes it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients in them.