How to add chia seeds to your diet

Regaining popularity as a superfood, chia seeds have made a comeback in recent years through a trending TikTok recipe. The viral TikTok trend, known as the #internalshower, involves a combination of chia seeds, warm water and lemon juice. The recipe encourages healthy digestion and has quickly gained popularity as a health trend. But there are many more interesting ways to include chia seeds into your diet.

What are chia seeds?

These small, black edible seeds are extracted from the Salvia hispanica plant, a member of the mint family, originating from central and southern Mexico. Chia seeds add a nutty flavour to recipes, making them versatile for both savoury and sweet dishes.

Much like other seeds, such as the poppy seed, the chia seed adds a crunchy texture to recipes. On the other hand, once cooked or soaked, chia seeds transform into a tender consistency, perfect for absorbing liquids and enhancing flavours.

Chia seeds are a great dietary source of fibre, protein and calcium. They are also the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids from plants, making them highly beneficial in a vegetarian diet.

Various uses of chia seeds

Chia seeds are versatile and can be incorporated into various recipes that need to absorb and retain moisture. They also provide additional nutrition – fibre, protein and calcium – and enhance the texture of batters or liquids.

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Chia seeds at breakfast

Chia seeds are a nice addition to breakfast recipes, whether sprinkled onto cereal, mixed into overnight oats, or stirred into a warm bowl of porridge. For those pressed for time, chia seeds are a fantastic addition to fruit smoothies, enhancing the creaminess and texture of the drink.

This HelloFresh recipe for a flourless bread with chia seeds is simple to make and easily adds further nutrition to your morning toast. 

Baking with chia seeds 

When baking cakes, muffins or bread, chia seeds can be added to the batter for extra crunch. Their nutty taste enhances the flavour of your baked goods and is a hassle-free way to include more chia seeds in your diet.

For a delightful twist on the Peach & Plum Fruit Crumble, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds. The chia seeds will enhance the texture and provide an extra boost of nutrients, making your dessert both delicious and healthy.

Chia seed pudding

Indulge in this healthy chia pudding, a delightful treat to satisfy your sugar cravings. Enjoy it any time of the day, paired with the sweetness of fresh fruits, such as strawberries.