Googling What are chia seed benefits?
is kind of like asking someone how their day is going.
As in, youre already expecting to get a certain kind of straightforward answer back: Im good!
m-chin / Getty Images
or, Chia seeds are healthy!
But the real story is always, of course, a little longer and more interesting.
In fact, humans have been eating chia seeds for thousands of years.
What are chia seeds exactly good for though?
And what does that mean for your body and wellbeing?
What are benefits of chia seeds?
Department of Agriculture(USDA).
Lets take a look at how those nutritional qualities may serve your health with five potential chia seed benefits.
Theyre a great plant-based source of omega fatty acids.
National Library of Medicineexplains.
Chia seeds are richer in these omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than most other plant sources.
National Library of Medicine.
National Library of Medicine.
They can support your digestive health.
Chia seeds fiber content is impressive: 10 grams per serving.
And this fiber can work all kinds of feel-good magic in your gastrointestinal tract.
National Library of Medicine.
Having a balance of both kinds of fiber in your diet is generally optimal for a happy digestive system.
They can help keep you full and satisfied.
Its other components can help you stay satisfied longer too.
The bulk provided by insoluble fiber and water-holding properties of soluble fiber can also enhance feelings of fullness.
The fiber content also helps your blood sugar levels stay nice and even after a meal, per theCDC.
Andfatis known to help prolong feelings of long-term satiety, as SELF has reported.
All in all, these small seeds can have a surprisingly big effect on your satisfaction.
They can help you recover post-workout.
Chan School of Public Healthexplains.
So it may be worth tossing some into your post-workout smoothie.
They can help support bone health.
If youre looking for a non-dairy option to support a sturdy skeleton, chia seeds are a top choice.
Chan School of Public Health.
Miller often recommends chia seeds as a source of calcium for people on a vegan diet.
And since magnesium deficiency can contribute to osteoporosis, that mineral is good for your bones too.
This calcium-magnesium combo is needed for strong, healthy bones, Bazilian says.
How many chia seeds should you eat a day?
A standard serving size of chia seeds is one ounce or about two tablespoons, according to theUSDA.
Miller recommends to eat as much as youre content, but not uncomfortable.
For more about whatthatmeans, keep reading.
Can chia seeds have side effects?
There are two potential chia seeds side effects youll want to watch out for.
They can get stuck in your throat thanks to their tiny size and dry texture, Moore says.
(Theyll taste better and fill you up more that way too.)
Who should not eat chia seeds?
You may want to check with your doctor first.
How should you eat chia seeds?
Theyre fantastic because of their mild flavor, Panitz says.
One of her favoritechia recipesis a simple pudding.
(Thischia-lemon dressingis everything.)
One other genius way tocook with chia?
Use it as anegg replacer.
Wed recommend whipping up a batch of vegan chocolate chip cookies, stat.
Because dessert is always a good time toeat superfoods, right?
