If the word "chia" creates mental image of a clay creature sprouting hair, you are not mistaken. I am talking about the same kinds of seeds, because aside from making the fuzz on countless Chia Pets, these seeds are also an excellent source of omega-3s! Who knew?
For women, the RDI of omega-3s is 1.1 grams (1,100 mg) a day, so if you're looking for a new source that's vegan, gluten free, and easy to consume, you'll want to pick up some chia seeds.
One ounce of chia seeds (about two tablespoons) contains 137 calories, 1 gram of saturated fat, 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 177 milligrams of calcium, and 4.9 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. They have a very mild flavor and don't need to be ground before consuming, so you can sprinkle half a tablespoon on your cereal or salad to ensure you reach your RDI of omega-3s each day. Or sprinkle them on yogurt, etc. I LOVE them in overnight oats--see the Recipe link on the side of the blog--I have my favorite peanut butter oatmeal cookie dough over night oats recipe located there!!
Aside from offering omegas, when chia seeds come in contact with water, they bulk up just like flax seeds do. So when you eat them, they make you feel full. This means not only will they prevent you from overeating, but they'll also improve your digestion. A 16-ounce bag costs $12, which is not too bad at all.
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