Chia Seeds

It's a delicious dessert that you can have for breakfast :)

Colourful and delicious granola meal - a perfect summer breakfast!

Looking for a healthy and refreshing summer dessert or a delicious breakfast? This one is for you!

This refreshing salad dressing is made in a snap - delicious, simple and nutritious!

Moist, fluffy and a tiny bit spicy. This easy vegan muffin recipe packs a healthful punch!

Small but mighty, bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, fibre and protein, Chia Seeds are hard to beat! Try adding them to your granola bars with this recipe.

Easy to prepare, tastier than any store bought jam, filled with healthy chia seeds and blueberries. Yum yum in the tum.

Start the day off right with a delicious strawberry chia seed smoothie. Packed with antioxidants, fibre, and great flavour! What could be better?

Fancy having pudding for breakfast? Then look no further! This simple Chia pudding recipe takes just 10 minutes to make and is a delicious start to the day.

Chia seeds are one of the world's most popular superfoods, they are constantly trending amongst wellness groups, and their versatility means you can add them into pretty much any recipe for a powerful nutritional boost. However for the uninitiated, chia seeds can be an intimidating ingredient to start using, here we’ll break down exactly what they are, how to use them and most importantly their incredible health benefits. What are chia seeds Chia seeds are small edible seeds from the mint family, originating from South America, they have a subtle nutty, almost bitter taste and are small and oval shaped. Historically chia seeds were cultivated by both mayans and Aztecs, forming a key aspect of their diets, due to their use as a long lasting energy source, and they remain just as popular today! As chia seeds have such a subtle flavour, they can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes, but they are arguably most popular in smoothies and milkshakes. What makes chia seeds a superfood There are a few main characteristics of chia seeds that make them so nutritionally incredible, but perhaps most importantly is their status as a complete protein. A complete protein means that a food source has all nine vital amino acids that the body needs, but cannot produce. Chia seeds hold a unique position, as typically complete proteins can be hard to find outside of animal sources, which makes them harder to come by for those on a vegan or plant based diet. On top of their impressive collection of amino acids, chia seeds are also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which are crucial for both brain and heart health. Chia seeds are also packed full of fibre (with just two tablespoons providing roughly 9.8 grams of dietary fibre) this makes chia seeds a great way to improve your digestion and reduce inflammation. Similarly chia seeds contain a great multitude of antioxidants, which can help protect against inflammation, diabetes and even heart disease. The amazing health benefits of chia seeds As you might have guessed from their incredible nutritional makeup, chia seeds have As we mentioned above, chia seeds are rich in omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids are another type of nutrient that can be incredibly hard for those on plant based diets to accrue, but it is incredibly important for our health. Not only do omega 3 fatty acids keep our brains and hearts healthy, they are also critical to maintaining good eyesight, and a healthy immune system. In particular chia seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a specific type of omega 3, which has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. The high fibre content of chia seeds we previously mentioned, is another source of their excellent health benefits. The fibre in chia seeds lowers bad cholesterol and triglycerides, while simultaneously increasing heart protective cholesterol. Alongside this, fibre intake has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type two diabetes, inflammation and digestive issues. Alongside these health benefits, chia seeds are also a unique tool for weight loss and appetite management. Because of their high fibre content, chia seeds are excellent at absorbing water, which means when they are in the stomach they form a gel like substance that helps to satiate appetite, reduce cravings and lower caloric intake. How to get the most out of chia seeds Chia seeds are an incredibly versatile ingredient, so it can be a little overwhelming to try to understand all of its uses, here we’ll show you exactly how to get the most from your chia seeds no matter what you want to use them for. You can also simply eat chia seeds straight from the packet as a snack, and avoid the need for any particular prep or research. One of the most common questions when using chia seeds is whether or not you should soak them before adding them to a drink or using them in a recipe, but it really depends on what you are using them for. The best way to decide whether you want to soak your chia seeds or not, is to decide on the texture you would like from them. If you are looking to add a slight crunch to salads, smoothies, cereals or porridge then it is best to simply sprinkle the chia seeds onto them before serving. However if you are looking to create a creamier final result, like chia pudding then you’ll need to soak the chia seeds with a ratio of roughly 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to ¼ of a cup of liquid. In regards to nutrition, it is generally better to soak the chia seeds to improve the rate at which the nutrients are absorbed, and generally make them easier to digest.Similarly if you’re looking to use chia seeds as a weight loss tool, soaking them will provide a better result. As you increase your intake of chia seeds, it is hugely important to make sure you are increasing your water consumption alongside it, not only will this allow you to get the most benefits from it, but it will also make sure that the vast amounts of fibre in chia seeds don’t cause any short term digestive issues. Why you need to include chia seeds in your diet Hopefully from their nutritional power alone you’re already considering incorporating chia seeds into your diet, whether you’re looking to improve your heart health, digestion or protein intake, they really can do it all. By varying how you use them in recipes, or as a snack you can make sure you never get bored of them, and once you start making them a staple ingredient in your pantry you’ll really notice the difference. If after reading this article you’re still unsure on how exactly you want to use chia seeds, we have plenty of great recipes, including this delicious goji berry and chia smoothie so don’t hesitate to get started!

Everyone knows that seeds are one of the healthiest ingredients you can incorporate into your diet, but people often underestimate exactly how significant their health benefits can be. Each seed looks and tastes different, so it shouldn’t be any surprise that their nutritional profiles are just as diverse. In this article we’ll break down some of the best seeds you can include in your diet, as well as how you could cook with them. It’s also important to note that we can’t mention every single type of seed here, so don’t be afraid to venture outside of this list and really experiment in the world of seeds. Chia Seeds Organic chia seeds are one of the world's most popular superfoods, so it makes sense that they’d be on this list. Chia seeds are small edible seeds from the mint family originating from South America, where they have been cultivated dating all the way back to the Aztec Empire. Chia seeds are unique mainly because of their status as a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body needs but cannot produce on its own. Complete proteins can be quite hard to find outside of animal sources, so chia seeds are naturally a great choice for vegans or those on plant based diets. Chia seeds are also incredibly high in fibre, with just two tablespoons providing nearly 10 grams of dietary fibre. Being high in fibre means that chia seeds are a great way to improve digestion, but crucially also heart health. As chia seeds reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in our bodies, they simultaneously increase the amount of good cholesterol that lowers the risk of heart disease. How to use chia seeds: Chia seeds are fairly versatile, but they are most commonly used in drinks, puddings and salads. There is significant debate (particularly amongst healthy eaters) as to whether it is best to soak chia seeds before eating them or not, but really it depends on personal preference. While soaking chia seeds can make them more easily digestible, and therefore slightly more nutritious, it also removes their crunchy texture. If you’re making chia pudding or looking to bulk out a smoothie then it’s best to soak your chia seeds, but if you’re looking to use them to add some extra texture to a salad then you’re better off simply sprinkling them on top. Flaxseed/LinseedFlaxseed (also known as linseed) comes in two varieties, gold and brown, and while they have pretty much identical nutritional profiles, golden flaxseed has a slightly richer taste. Flaxseed is a severely underrated ingredient, and really should be considered a superfood in its own right, rich in protein, fibre and omega 3 fatty acids, it is a great all rounder. Crucially flaxseed is both gluten free and vegan, which makes it a must have for either of those diets, primarily for its high protein and linoleic acid content. Linoleic acid is a type of omega six fatty acid, which can be incredibly difficult to find outside of oily fish, not only is it great for maintaining healthy skin, but also for lowering cholesterol and improving insulin sensitivity. How to use flaxseedFlaxseed has a very subtle flavour, so it can easily be paired with sweet or savoury recipes, or simply mixed with water and enjoyed on its own. However it is important to increase your water intake as you begin to incorporate flaxseed into your diet to avoid dehydration and digestive issues. Pumpkin seedsOrganic pumpkin seeds are a great way to boost the nutrition of your diet without too much hassle, they can be enjoyed as a snack on their own, or sprinkled into salads, soups and curries. Pumpkin seeds are not only convenient, but also highly nutritious. Like chia seeds and flaxseed, pumpkin seeds are rich in healthy fatty acids, protein and vitamin E. Vitamin E is tremendously important to the development of healthy skin, hair and most importantly eyesight. Pumpkin seeds also contain an abundance of antioxidants, and have been found to improve heart health, as well as potentially lowering the risk of cancer while also improving bladder health. Sesame seeds are a pretty common household ingredient, but their staggering nutritional content and health benefits are often forgotten. Typically a staple in Asian and South American cooking, sesame seeds have a mild slightly sweet flavour, and are great in both sweet and savoury cooking. Sesame seeds have a lot of benefits in common with the seeds we’ve already discussed (primarily omega fatty acids and vitamin E), but they are unique in having an exceptionally high amount of zinc. Zinc may not sound like an important nutrient for the body, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Zinc plays a vital role in the immune system, wound healing, and even protein synthesis, so it is incredibly important to make sure your body gets enough of it. How to use sesame seedsSesame seeds can be sprinkled into savoury dishes, either raw or toasted, and it’s subtle sweet flavour works particularly well in Asian dishes, but they can also be used to make tahini. Tahini is a type of paste traditionally used in Middle Eastern cuisine, acting as a base for dips like hummus and baba ganoush, or used in baking to improve a dish’s nutritional content, and add a natural sweetness. Why you should start making seeds a part of your daily diet: The health benefits we’ve outlined above should already peak the interest of anyone looking to live a healthier life, but also for anyone seeking new recipes, flavours and culinary adventures. Not only does each type of seed have a different health benefit, they also all have a wide multitude of uses, and can really help make your cooking more varied than it ever has been before. Once you start using seeds in your recipes you’ll find it hard to stop, whether you’re looking to add some texture to a dish or drink, or simply trying to bring out some rich (but healthy) flavours, seeds can do it all.

Easy and healthy ways to increase your magnesium intake Why is magnesium so important? Magnesium is an essential nutrient responsible for the correct functioning of your body. It can help improve your mood, boost mental health and performance, combat depression, raise energy levels, regulate blood sugar, and even improve your sleep. What are they symptoms of magnesium deficiency? The symptoms of magnesium deficiency include: insomnia, anxiety, muscle spasms, restless leg syndrome, nausea, low blood pressure, confusion and irritability. These symptoms usually indicate an underlying health condition like thyroid imbalance, gastrointestinal diseases, pancreatitis, diabetes and kidney disease. How do you get 100% of magnesium daily? There are many magnesium supplements available on the market, but you can get it naturally from eating more healthy foods. In fact, most people get magnesium from a healthy, balanced diet. If you are concerned about a magnesium deficiency, you may consider increasing magnesium consumption by incorporating more magnesium-rich foods into your diet. Whole foods rich in magnesium The diets rich in whole foods like nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, leafy greens, and healthy fats will provide you with enough magnesium to keep your body healthy. Among those, nuts, seeds, whole grains and leafy greens have the highest magnesium content. Here's a list of ingredients which are a good source of magnesium per 100g: Nuts: Almonds: 268 mg Peanuts: 168 mg Brazil nuts: 376 mg Cashews: 251 mg Peanut butter (100% peanuts, smooth): 154 mg Seeds: Pumpkin seeds (dried): 592 mg Flaxseed: 392 mg Chia seeds: 335 mg Whole grains: Quinoa: 64 mg Brown rice (cooked): 43 mg Whole-wheat bread (1 slice): 23 mg Legumes: Edamame: 224 mg Black beans: 172 mg Chick Peas: 115 mg Black-eyed peas: 60 mg Vegetables and fruits: Spinach, boiled: 157 mg (1 cup). Avocado: 58 mg (1 medium seize). Kale: 33 mg Banana: 32 mg (1 medium size). Swiss chard: 29 mg (1 cup). Broccoli: 21 mg/100g Plant-based staples: Tofu: 74 mg Soy milk: 61 mg Dark chocolate: 65 mg What is Magnesium water?

How do you upgrade porridge? Check our quick and easy tips for an amazing healthy home-made bowl of oatmeal:1. Make it with nut milk like hazelnut milk, almond milk or cashew milk. Whether you use it for porridge or an oat bowl pant-based milk made with nuts will enhance the flavour of oats. 2. Add some fresh fruit like sliced banana, apple or berries. Fresh fruits will bring your porridge to another level. Mixed or topped with fruits, your porridge will provide you with more fibre and essential vitamins (health bomb!). 3. Add some nuts, like almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachios and more. Nuts are a great companion to oatmeal. They will make it even healthier (another health bomb!) and give it an extra crunch. 4. Top it with chia seeds, hemp seeds or flaxseed. Seeds are a fantastic topping for nearly every dish. Paired with porridge, they will give it an extra crunch, extra fibre and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. 5. Add some aromatic spices like turmeric, nutmeg, ginger or cinnamon. Many spices will be great to upgrade your porridge. Start with a bit of cinnamon, then add some turmeric, nutmeg or ginger and create your favourite porridge seasoning. They will make your porridge warmer and add a few health benefits as well. 6. Add some agave or maple syrup instead of sugar. If you need a bit of sweetness, skip the sugar, and instead go for agave or maple syrup. 7. Add a dash of your favourite juice. Fruit juice is also a great sweetener for porridge. If you decide to use it, remember to reduce the amount of milk. 8. Use organic oats and top-quality sea salt. Quality matters also when it comes to every food, even salt.

What is chia seed water? Chia seed water is a refreshing homemade drink made with chia seeds and water. The recipe is very simple - you mix two ingredients: one tablespoon of organic chia seeds with 200 ml of mineral water. Chia seed will absorb the water and become a thick liquid with a jelly-like consistency. Why do people drink chia seed water? Many people drink chia seed water to help them lose weight. Drinking chia seeds, water improves digestion and hydration of the body. It makes you feel fuller for longer, so you won't feel hungry between meals, and your appetite will reduce. Many people believe drinking chia seed water after the meals helps them to poop regularly. What are the health benefits of chia seed water? Chia seed water is packed with fibre and protein. It also contains healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-3, and antioxidants, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins. Antioxidants in chia seeds may help you reduce high blood pressure, fight inflammation and skin hydration. Fibre and omega-3 fatty acids will benefit your heart health. Chia seeds may help you balance blood sugar levels and promote strong healthy bones. Is it good to drink chia seed water every day? Chia seed water is considered a wellness and feel-good drink and can be a great addition to your everyday diet. You can drink it at any time of the day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack between the meals. If you have it in the late afternoon or evening, it will make you feel less hungry and you will ear less for dinner.

Eggs are the main ingredients of many savoury and sweet dishes. Eggs are versatile and have properties that are needed in baking and cooking. They help to bind components, work as a thickener, help the cakes to rise and give them a spongy texture. They help achieve the creaminess of many desserts and sauces. Actually, so many sweet and savoury recipes feature eggs that it gets complicated when you want to follow a plant-based diet or suffer from allergies and simply cannot eat them. Is it possible to replace eggs? You can prepare a vegan replacer at home. This way, you will still be able to enjoy traditional recipes without eggs. There are many ways to do it; you just need to have a few specific ingredients in your kitchen pantry. Egg Replacer Recipes Chickpea Water or Aquafaba egg replacer Aquafaba is the brine, which is usually drained away from a can of chickpeas, and can be used as an egg white substitute. You can use it straight from the can. It is high in protein, so you can whip it just like egg whites, but be aware that you will need sugar to stabilise it. It will make a beautiful and fluffy foam. It will be a great egg replacer for mousses, creamy desserts, cakes, pancakes and meringue. Method: To make 1 egg replacer, you will need 60 ml of aquafaba. Just mix it into your dough or batter or whip it using a mixer. Baking soda & vinegar egg replacer This mixture can replace eggs in specific cake recipes, especially chocolate cakes, chocolate muffins, loaves and cupcakes. It will help the dough to rise and work as a browning agent. Recipe: To make 1 egg substitute, mix 1 tsp baking soda with 1 tbsp vinegar. Ground Flaxseed (Linseed) egg replacer Ground flaxseed is one of the most popular egg replacers in many vegan recipes. It works well as a binder in both savoury and sweet baked recipes, cakes, cookies, muffins, pancakes and in batters. It is also very healthy - packed with fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. Recipe: to make 1 egg substitute, mix 1 tbsp of flaxseed powder with 3 tbsp of water in a small bowl. Warm water would work best (not boiling!) Set aside for a few minutes. The flax egg mixture will become thick. Chia seeds egg replacer For egg replacer, white chia seeds would be best (they are less visible than the black ones). You mix whole chia seeds with water, and they become a kind of slimy mixture that will work as a binder for cakes, muffins, and cookies. Chia seeds are a great source of fibre, protein, and unsaturated fats. Please note when chia seeds are used whole, there will be some crunchiness to your baked goods. Recipe: To make 1 egg equivalent, mix 1 tbsp chia seeds with 3 tbsp water in a small bowl. Set aside for 15 minutes, so the mixture thickens. The chia seeds will be a gelatine consistency. Fruit puree or marmalade as an egg replacer These ingredients will work to make a denser texture. Please note, they can change the flavour and colour of your baked goods. They will work best for pancakes, muffins and some dense cakes like brownies. Method: To replace 1 egg, add approximately 60ml of fruit puree (banana, pumpkin etc.) or applesauce to your dough. Chickpea Flour egg replacer Chickpea flour Gram flour is a yellow flour used in many Indian recipes. It will work well as an egg replacer for cakes, muffins, deep-fried dishes, pancakes, quiches and tarts. Chickpea flour is rich in protein and fibre. Thanks to its yellowish colour and consistency, it can even be used to make vegan scrambled eggs or omelettes. You just mix it with water, some black salt and spices and fry it with some oil in a frying pan just like you do with the eggs. Recipe: the equivalent of 1 egg will be 1 tbsp chickpea flour + 3 tbsp water. Mix the flour with water until smooth.

Health benefits of chia seeds have been known for centuries. Little in size but rich in powerful nutrients - chia seeds are a very healthy ingredient and that's why should include it in your everyday diet. Chia seeds contain a lot of protein, fibre, minerals, antioxidants and Omega 3. They not only boost your health but also help you avoid certain diseases. Adding chia seeds to your meals may help you maintain healthy bones, control blood sugar, speed up wight loss, lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol in your blood and support a healthy heart. Chia also contains calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which support healthy teeth and bones. Chia seeds are a versatile ingredient and can be used in different healthy daily dishes and drinks. They have a delicate nutty flavour that will be great for savoury and sweet meals, including smoothies, puddings, snacks, cakes, cookies. Chia seeds topping You can use chia seeds as topping for any dish, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, granola and desserts. Simply spread a bit of it on top of your your favourite dish, especially your morning cereals, oats with yogurt or porridge. Chia seeds for protein shake Chia seeds are known for enhancing energy levels, so try adding them to your post-exercise protein shake. How to make chia seeds pudding Soak chia seeds in water or plant-based milk overnight. Chia seeds can become up to 12 times their original size when soaked.They will have a loose jelly texture similar to tapioca. Add spices and a bit of maple syrup, agave or stevia to make it sweeter. Enjoy with fruits! How to make healthy & tasty 'breadcrumbs' Mix chia seeds with finely ground nuts, herbs and spices to make an incredibly tasty and healthy alternative to breadcrumbs. How to make chia spread In a small bowl blend chia seeds with fruits and agave to make your own homemade jam. Growing chia seeds sprout at home You can easily grow chia sprouts at home in a pot on your kitchen window or in your garden. Chia sprouts will be a great ingredient for sandwiches, salads, soups and more. How to use chia seeds for cosmetics You can incorporate chia seeds to your nourishing beauty and body care routine. They will work well as an exfoliant for all skin types providing it with some extra hydration and keeping your pores from clogging by keeping your skin clean. Storing chia seeds You can buy chia seeds in bulk and store it for a long time. The best way to store chia seeds is in a jar in a dark place, or a fridge. Buy chia seeds online

Dietary Fibre is an essential component of your diet. It helps keep your digestive system healthy, increases the good bacteria in your gut, and can even reduce the risk of certain diseases. The recommended daily fibre intake for adults is approximately 25 grams for women, and 38 grams for men, per day. For a more in depth look at the reasons you need to be getting enough fibre in your diet, why not take a gander at our previous article Why is Fibre Important? To make life easier, and make sure you’re hitting your RDA for fibre, we’ve compiled a handy list of some high fibre foods. They’re not just great sources of fibre, but also healthy, tasty, and satisfying – so without further ado, let’s get on with the list! Nuts First up on the list, is the small but mighty nut! Not only are nuts nutritional powerhouses, they’re an excellent supply of fibre too. Pine nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, and pecans are all great choices when it comes to upping your daily fibre. However, almonds are the clear winner when it comes to the highest fibre content. Fibre content: Almonds – Approx. 13.3 grams per 100 grams Popcorn If you’re looking to increase your fibre intake, then popcorn just might be one of the best snacks you can choose to munch on. Plain, air-popped popcorn is extremely high in fibre, calorie for calorie. Just remember, if you add a lot of sugar, or fat, such as oil, to your popcorn, the fibre-to-calorie ratio will be considerably lower. Fibre content: Approx. 14 grams per 100 grams Chia Seeds If you haven’t heard about chia seeds yet – let us introduce you! Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that are becoming increasingly popular and may just be one of the best fibre sources on the planet. They are often referred to as a superfood due to their exceptionally high nutritional value, containing high amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. Head over to our recipe page to find a wide range of Chia seed recipes from Blueberry Jam to Banana Muffins – delicious! Fibre content: Approx. 34.4 grams per 100 grams Beans Not only are beans a great source of plant protein, making them a great meat alternative, they are also an excellent way to get more fibre in your diet. Black beans, pinto beans, mung beans and aduki beans are all great choices for upping your fibre intake. However, haricot beans take the crown as the highest fibre bean in town. Fibre content: Haricot Beans - Approx. 8 grams per 100 grams Apples You’ve probably heard the saying ‘An apple a day, keeps the doctor away’. Turns out, there could be a lot of truth to that. Many fruits are filled with fibre, but apples, especially with the skin on, are the perfect pick for increasing your fibre intake. Plus, they count as one of your five a day! Fibre content: Approx. 2.4 grams per 100 grams, or 4.4 grams in a medium-sized apple. Lentils Looking for a cheap, simple, and nutritious food source? Well, look no further than lentils! Along with being high in fibre, they’re also as high in protein and loaded with many important nutrients. Lentils are an easy addition to your diet, add them to soups, stews, curries, salads and even desserts! Fibre content: 13.1 grams per cup of cooked lentils, or 7.3 grams per 100 grams Sweet Potatoes Are you a sweet potato lover? If so, we have good news for you! Sweet potatoes are bountiful in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and of course, fibre. Not to mention, they provide a wide range of health benefits and are a simple, and delicious, addition to your diet. Fibre content: Approx. 2.5 grams per 100 grams or 3.8 grams for a medium-sized boiled sweet Chickpeas Another type of legume that’s loaded with not just healthy fibre, but also vitamins, minerals, and plant protein is chickpeas. Easily included in your diet, they can be used in many different recipes. Chickpeas are also the main ingredient of hummus, which is a simple spread you can make yourself. Fibre content: 12.5 grams per cup of cooked chickpeas, or 7.6 per 100 grams Berries Berries get a lot of attention for their antioxidants, but they’re filled with healthy fibre too. Raspberries are a particularly rich source, but blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries are also a great choice for increasing your fibre intake. Another one of the biggest benefits of eating berries is that they’re also naturally low in calories. Sounds like a win-win to us! Fibre content: Raspberries - Approx. 7 grams per 100 grams Quinoa Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal that is an excellent source of plant protein, along with being high in fibre. It has many other health benefits and is packed full of other nutrients including, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants. Fibre content: Approx. 3 grams per 100 grams

Don’t be fooled, although they may be small in size, seeds are anything but small when it comes to their nutritional value! Eating more of them has been shown to provide a wide range of health benefits. What’s more, they are extremely easy to incorporate into your diet, whether as a tasty snack or as addition to many different recipes. Seeds are great sources of plant-based, healthy fats, fibre and minerals. They also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and many important vitamins and antioxidants. Carry on reading to discover why you need to be adding more seeds to your diet, today! Chia Seeds Chia seeds are often labelled as being a superfood – and with good reason! They are packed full of fibre, protein, and many important nutrients and antioxidants. Antioxidants benefit human health by neutralizing reactive molecules known as free radicals, which can contribute to aging and diseases. They are also one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for healthy brain function. One 30g serving contains approximately 5g of omega 3s! Chia seeds are incredibly easy to add to your diet, as they’re ready to eat and have a very subtle flavour. Sprinkle them over smoothies, porridge and yoghurt, or mix them into recipes such as bread and muffins. Want to read more about the health benefits of chia seeds? Check out Are Chia Seeds Good for You? Sesame Seeds Sesame seeds are very small seeds that grow in pods on the Sesamum indicum plant. Their oil content is one of the highest of any seed. You can purchase them hulled or Unhulled and they are grown in a variety of colours. Not only are Sesame seeds a good source of minerals and fibre, they’re also high in selenium, an antioxidant shown to decrease the risk of chronic disease. There is a compound found in sesame seeds called Sesamin, that may help reduce joint pain and improve arthritis of the knee due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Sesame seeds can be eaten raw, or if you’re wanting to bring out more of their natural nutty flavour you can bake or toast them. Perhaps most commonly known as a topping on burger buns, bagels and breadsticks, sesame seeds can actually be used in a variety of ways. They can also be tossed into salads, juices, soups or turned into Tahini, which is also known as sesame seed paste. Pumpkin Seeds Probably one of the most popular edible seed varieties around are Pumpkin seeds. Consuming just a small quantity of them can provide you with a substantial amount of magnesium, zinc, healthy fats and antioxidants. Other health benefits they may include are improved heart health, lower blood sugar and possibly aiding in better sleep. They are very versatile, you can eat them raw, salted, roast them, or bake them! Besides eating them on their own as a snack, they can also be incorporated into many meals. Try sprinkling them over your yogurt, cereal or incorporate them into smoothie mixtures. They can also be added to most baked goods. For a more in depth look at the advantages of adding pumpkin seeds to your diet, have a read of our article Pumpkin Seeds a Trick or a Treat? Hemp Seeds Hemp seeds are small brown seeds which originate from the hemp plant, they can be purchased either in a whole or shelled varieties. Hemp seeds are a great source of vitamin E and potassium. They also have the most protein of all the seeds and are rich in healthy omega-6 and omega-3 fats. As hemp seeds are one of the few plants that is a complete protein source, they contain all nine essential amino acids. This makes hemp seeds a valuable addition to any vegetarian or vegan diet. They can be added to soups, stews and salads or used to make hummus and dips. As they have a slightly nutty flavour, they can be used in place of nuts in many recipes like baked goods or energy bars. Hemp seeds can even be turned into hemp milk, which is a great dairy-free alternative to milk. Poppy Seeds Poppy seeds are a type of oilseed that is taken from the opium poppy plant. The seeds can be used whole or ground into meal as an ingredient in many foods, they can also be pressed to make poppyseed oil. Poppy seeds have quite a unique, aromatic flavour that works well in both sweet and savoury dishes. Add them to baked goods such as muffins, scones and cakes or on top of bread and pastries. They can also be sprinkled over vegetables and added to salad dressings for some extra crunch. Like most of the seeds on this list, poppy seeds are high in fibre, plant fats, and various other nutrients. Poppy seeds are especially rich in manganese, which is a trace element that is vital for blood clotting along with bone health. Manganese also aids your body in utilizing amino acids, carbs, and fats.

Are Chia Seeds Good for You? | 10 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds Yes, for those who want a quick answer, Chia Seeds are most likely good for you. Chia Seeds are one of the plant-based foods that contain one of the most significant amounts of fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. They abound in copious amounts of high-quality protein, along with several antioxidants and essential minerals. These may improve blood levels of heart-healthy omega-3s, digestive health, as well as any risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Read on for all of this and more if you'd like answers as to why Chia Seeds could be precisely what you need. Chia Seeds Are Easy to Incorporate Into Your Diet Chia seeds themselves are quite bland, making them an easy add on to pretty much anything. A massive bonus of them is they don't need to be ground up like flax seeds do. Making them so much easier to prepare. Chia seeds can be eaten raw, added to porridge, puddings, smoothies, soaked in juice or different kinds of milk, or added to baked goods. You can also pepper them on top of different rice dishes and vegetables. However, the most popular way Chia Seeds are incorporated into diets is by sprinkling them on cereals, yoghurts and granolas. Chia Seeds have the fantastic ability to absorb both water and fat. This special trait can thicken sauces in recipes and as egg substitutes in certain baking recipes. A good supplement of chia seeds to recipes will dramatically boost their nutritional value. Chia Seeds do seem to be well tolerated throughout, but if you're not used to eating a lot of fibre, there is a chance of experiencing digestive side effects if too much of it is eaten all at once. Chia Seeds Deliver a Massive Amount of Nutrients With Very Few Calories Chia Seeds are tiny black, white or grey seeds from the plant Salvia Hispanica, which form part of the mint family. Don't be fooled by the size — these tiny seeds pack a mighty nutritional punch. Fibre: 11 grams. Protein: 4 grams. Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are omega-3s). Calcium: 18% Manganese: 30% Magnesium: 30% Phosphorus: 27% Chia seeds also contain a decent amount of zinc, Niacin (vitamin B3), thiamine (vitamin B1), potassium, and vitamin B2. This is a particularly impressive nutritional profile considering it is just 28 grams or about two tablespoons worth. Making them one of the world's best sources of many important nutrients. Chia Seeds Are Chock Full of Antioxidants Another area where Chia Seeds excel is in their high antioxidant content. These essential antioxidants protect sensitive fats in the seeds, preventing them from going rancid. Most importantly, antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage cell molecules and contribute to ageing and several diseases such as cancer. Chia Seeds provide high amounts of many minerals, the highest of which is the mineral Selenium, involved in several processes in the body. Chia Seeds also contain several beneficial plant compounds such as Kaempferol. This antioxidant has been correlated with a risk decrease for cancer and other chronic diseases. Chia Seeds are also abundant in Chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant with possible links to blood pressure regulation. Quercetin is another antioxidant found in Chia Seeds. This powerful antioxidant may reduce the risk of heart disease, certain forms of cancer, and osteoporosis. Almost All Carbs in Chia Seeds Are Fibre By weight alone, Chia Seeds are one of the most prominent sources of fibre in the world. A single ounce (28 grams) of Chia Seeds contains 12 grams of carbs. Yet, 11 out of those 12 are actually fibre! The body does not process fibre; it does not raise blood sugar or require insulin to be disposed of. Though fibre belongs to the carbohydrate family, its health effects are abundantly different from digestible carbs such as starches and sugars as Chia Seeds' carb content is very low. This makes Shia a low-carb friendly food. Due to its high soluble fibre content, Chia Seeds can absorb up to 12 times their weight in water! The result is a gel-like substance expanding in your stomach. This special attribute of Chia Seeds theoretically leads to an increased sense of fullness. This suggests a slow absorption of food and may help people eat fewer calories. Another positive aspect of Chia Seeds' fibre content is its aid in feeding the friendly flora/bacteria residing in the gut. Chia Seeds Contain High-Quality Protein Chia Seeds contain a decent amount of protein. Calculated by weight alone, they are made up of about 14% protein. A very high protein profile content when compared to most plants. Chia Seeds also have a good balance of essential amino acids; this should make it easier for the body to make use of its protein content. Protein has several health benefits and is renowned as the friendliest weight loss dietary nutrient. A high protein intake diet has been shown to lower appetite and reduce obsessive thoughts about food and the desire to go for a midnight snack. Chia Seeds truly are an excellent protein source, especially for those who eat little to no animal products. However, Chia Seeds are not recommended as a sole source of protein for children. Chia Seeds May Help With Weight Loss Most people don't consume enough fibre from their diets. A high fibre intake is closely linked to improved gut health whilst helping to lower the risk of numerous diseases. Given their impressive water-absorbing capacity, Chia Seeds increase the volume of foods in the digestive tract. This leads to an increased sensation of fullness which in turn lowers food intake. As such, Chia Seeds have become a popular aid in weight loss. The soluble fibre content in Chia Seeds absorbs large amounts of fat and water and expands in the stomach. The increased 'fullness' helps slow the absorption of food, leading to a prolonged sense of satiety. Though the incorporation of Chia Seeds into your diet is unlikely to promote weight loss by itself. Experts believe Chia Seeds can be a useful addition as a weight loss aid. Chia Seeds Increase Blood Levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Much like flax/linseeds, Chia Seeds have a very high omega-3 fatty acid profile. So high, in fact, that Chia Seeds contain more omega-3s than salmon! However, it's worth noting that Omega-3s in Chia Seeds are mostly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA); these are not as beneficial as we may think. ALAs need to be converted into their active forms, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), before the body can make proper use of it. Alas, the human body is inefficient at converting ALA into its active forms. Thus, plant-derived omega-3s usually tend to be vastly inferior to animal sources like fish oil. A plant-sourced DHA supplement might be the answer for the brain and body to receive the required DHA amounts. Chia Seeds May Lower Risk of Heart Disease Given that Chia Seeds are a high fibre, protein, and omega-3 profile, they are possible to reduce the risk of heart disease. Research suggests that omega-3s may decrease the risk of thrombosis and arrhythmias. These are known disorders that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and sudden cardiac arrest. A few studies seem to show that Chia Seeds significantly reduce blood pressure in people who suffer from hypertension. A strong risk factor for heart disease. Overall, Chia Seeds may be likely to benefit heart health. However, it's not likely to have major effects unless coupled with other beneficial lifestyle and dietary changes. They're High in Important Bone Nutrients Chia Seeds contain high levels of several essential nutrients used to build strong bones. Calcium — Calcium is a mineral directly involved in the process of bone formation and its maintenance. Calcium is the most prevalent mineral in skeletons, so it's crucial for building bone. Calcium also facilitates the transport of oxygen throughout your body, making it indispensable for cardiovascular health as well. B Vitamins — The B Vitamins work together to provide multiple benefits, from proper nervous system function to the production of red blood cells and immune cells to protein metabolization. Manganese — Manganese is a primary antioxidative enzyme. It mainly protects cells from oxidative damage and free radicals. It also contributes to collagen production. Meaning, manganese is essential to the creation of building blocks for both skin and bones. Magnesium — Magnesium plays a role in over 300 processes throughout the body. Those processes include regulation of the parathyroid gland. A gland that controls the mineralization of new bone. As magnesium is a significant component of the bone matrix, it regulates mineralization whilst being one of the minerals present in the bone-building process. Improved Blood Sugar Control Some animal studies suggest that Chia Seeds may boost insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. A high blood sugar level is a typical symptom of type 2 diabetes going untreated. Consistent high fasting blood sugar levels are often associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and heart disease. Further, temporary blood sugar level spikes after meals could also have adverse health effects if extremely high and occurring regularly. There are a few human studies that support Chia Seeds as a viable alternative for blood sugar control. However, a study showed that eating bread that contained Chia Seeds lowered the post-meal blood sugar level rise. When compared to bread that did not include any Chia Seed. Enough Talk, Get in my Cart In conclusion, Chia Seeds are not only rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fibre but are also incredibly easy to prepare. Being most commonly added to porridge or smoothies. Some studies suggest they have a plethora of health benefits, from weight loss to heart disease. If you didn't eat Chia Seeds already, you should definitely consider it. After all, they're among the few superfoods worthy of the title //