Dry chia seeds can also be added whole or ground to smoothies and juices, mixed into yogurt and oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of a salad. If you're adding the seeds to a drink or a "wet" dish like porridge, they'll swell up slightly while you eat but retain a slight crunch.
Do you need to soak chia seeds before eating?
Chia seeds contain digestive inhibitors (as do all seeds). All you need to do is soak the seeds in liquid (water or a plant-based milk), ideally overnight but even 20 minutes will go a long way to releasing its potential.
How much chia seeds should you eat a day?
A common dosage recommendation is 0.7 ounces (20 grams or about 1.5 tablespoons) of chia seeds twice per day. Remember to drink plenty of water to prevent any digestive side effects. Chia seeds are easy to prepare and often used as an egg substitute and added to oatmeal or smoothies.
What happens if you eat chia seeds everyday?
Drinking chia seeds water or including chia seeds in your daily diet can reduce risk of developing heart disease. 5. Bone health: Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in chia seeds make them great for bone health as well. They can be considered to be a great source of calcium for people who don't consume protein.
Is it OK to eat raw chia seeds?
Although many people prefer to soak chia seeds, you can eat them raw, too. Try grinding and sprinkling them on your smoothie or oatmeal.
What happens when you eat raw chia seeds?
Chia seeds are also great at keeping dehydration at bay because it holds so much liquid. However, if you eat dry chia seeds, without giving them any liquid to absorb before ingesting them, they'll absorb the water within your system and potentially cause a blockage.
Should you eat chia seeds raw or cooked?
Chia seeds can be eaten raw or added to recipes. Because the coating of chia seeds soaks up water rapidly, soaking chia seeds in milk or water for a few hours (or overnight) can give the seeds a tapioca pudding-like texture and makes them a great binder to hold baked goods together, like these Coconut-Chia Oat Crisps.
Is it OK to eat chia seeds without soaking?
Absolutely. Just like eating nuts or any other kind of seed, it is perfectly fine to eat them without soaking them first. You will get all the wonderful antioxidants, Omega-3s, protein, nutrients and fiber that make chia seeds so great for our health. So, it is ok to eat chia seeds without soaking them first.
Is it better to eat chia seeds raw or soaked?
It won't hurt to eat them straight, but if you soak them, then you “sprout” them, which releases the enzyme inhibitors that are used to protect the seed. To get the most nutrients out of your food and to maximize the potential benefits of chia seeds, try soaking them before adding them to a recipe or smoothie.
How long should I soak chia seeds before eating them?
To soak chia seeds, simply mix them in a 1:10 ratio of chia to water and let them sit for between 30 minutes to two hours. This equates to about one and a half tablespoons of chia seeds in one cup of water, and although it doesn't have to be exact, you do want it to gel all the way and not be too watery.