Chia seeds are an easy way to add a healthy boost to your oatmeal, cereals, smoothies, juices, yogurts and salads. They’re packed with fiber, protein and omega 3 fatty acids that work wonders in fueling in our bodies. Chia seeds can help to prevent spikes in blood sugar and they can stave off hunger by allowing you to feel fuller for a longer period of time. Popular ways to eat chia seeds include adding them to a bottle of water, making a fruit jam, or a pudding. Chances are you’re so accustomed to using chia seeds that you haven’t given much thought into how you’re eating them- but what if you’ve been doing it all wrong? Believe it or not there is a right and a wrong way to eat chia seeds.
When eating chia seeds it’s important to to grind them or soak them in liquid before ingesting them. Chia seeds can absorb up to 27 times their weight in water and when added to liquid they begin to form a hydrogel capsule. This gelatinous coating not only helps move the chia seeds through the digestive tract, it also helps to prevent a thick, gummy ball of chia seeds from becoming stuck in the throat or esophagus. This is a serious condition known as dysphagia or difficulty swallowing. It’s best to use caution when enjoying your chia seeds. Never eat chia seeds dry as you increase the chances of dysphagia as in the case of this man.
Grinding your chia seeds can do more than prevent a choking hazard – reports show that grinding chia seeds may increase the benefits of ALA. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is the essential omega- 3 fatty acid that aids in human growth and development. ALA’s are important because they assist in lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and preventing heart attacks.
Check out this delicious “peanut butter” and jelly overnight chia seed pudding recipe that uses sunflower seed butter, almond milk and ground chia seeds!
