We all look for superfoods that will accelerate our weight loss journey, don’t we? Chia seeds are white and black seeds that are touted as a superfood that belongs to the mint family. Chia seeds have a richness of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, calcium. These chia seeds help improve gut health, nourish your body and provide satiety, making them a fantastic option for weight loss.
In this article, we have provided you with information about how you can use Chia seeds to lose weight naturally. Read on!
What are Chia Seeds?:
Extracted from the plant Salvia hispanica, Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that provide sustainable energy and are considered pseudo-grains. According to ancient Mayans, the word “chia” means “strength.”When you put them in water, Chia seeds expand and form a thick gel-like outer layer. You can add these seeds to any food as they don’t have a strong flavor or taste.
There are two types of main types of chia seeds, black and white, dictated by the color of the flower. The darker purple flowering variety of plant blooms from black seeds have more anthocyanins than the white chia seeds. Although both white and black chia seeds are considered equal, nutritional differences exist between black and white Chia.
[Read: Are Chia Seeds Good for Pregnant Women?]
Chia Seeds Nutritional Facts:
Now that we know what chia seeds are, in this section, we have discussed the nutritional profile of one ounce of this pseudo-grain:
- Calories -131.
- Fat- 8.4 grams.
- Carbohydrate- 13.07 grams.
- Fiber- 11.2 grams.
- Protein- 5.6 grams.
- No sugar.
- 18 percent daily calcium needs.
- 27 percent of phosphorous.
- 30 percent of manganese.
- Copper and potassium in small amounts.
Do Chia Seeds Work for Weight Loss?:
Did you know Chia seeds can absorb 12 times their weight in water? Yes! They take on a gelatinous texture by swelling in size once they get wet. Although they are pretty slimy, there are no surprises when it comes to the taste of Chia seeds. The mild flavor and smooth texture of these seeds make them a perfect addition to any dish.
Chia seeds expand in your stomach when combined with gastric juices and water. This process prevents you from getting hungry, and the digestive process slows down with all the soluble fiber in these seeds. This, in turn, prevents spikes and valleys in blood sugar because your body releases blood sugar at a slower rate. This entire process keeps you full for an extended time, helping you lose weight.
Chia Seeds Benefits for Weight Loss:
Chia seeds can help you lose weight as it is a rich source of protein, has high amounts of fiber which helps makes your digestion better.
- Chia seeds are beneficial for weight loss because they are low-calorie seeds.
- You can incorporate chia seeds into many recipes as they don’t have an overpowering taste.
- Consumption of chia seeds in any form is known to control blood sugar levels and improve heart health.
- Chia seeds have high amounts of antioxidants that support bone health, aids cell repair in the human body.
- Chia seeds are not only beneficial for weight loss but can boost your energy levels by keeping your body hydrated.
[Read: Benefits of Eating Chia Seeds]
Uses of Chia Seeds for Weight Loss:
We have presented you with some of the best ways to eat chia seeds for weight loss. Would you please go through the recipes and try to incorporate them into your daily routine?
1. Healthy Chia Pudding for Weight Loss:
Ingredients:
- Four tbsp of chia seeds.
- One cup of almond milk.
- Two tbsp of organic honey.
- ½ tbsp of nutmeg.
- ½ tbsp of vanilla extract.
Procedure:
- Place all the ingredients except for chia seeds in a blender.
- Blend the ingredients and later add chia seeds.
- Sit the chia seeds thoroughly and pour all the contents into a bowl or jar.
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about four hours until it forms a texture similar to a pudding.
2. Chia Seeds Tea:
Ingredients:
- Two tbsp of chia seeds.
- One cup of water.
- One tbsp of green tea.
- Two tbsp of lime juice.
- ¼ tbsp of brown sugar.
Preparation:
- Presoak chia seeds for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Boil a cup of water and let it cool for about a minute.
- Steep a green tea bag for about four minutes.
- Strain the green tea into a glass, let it cool down for five more minutes, and keep it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the green tea and add chia seeds, lime juice, brown sugar, and combine them well.
- Drink it fresh.
3. Chia Seeds and Water for Weight Loss:
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup of Chia seeds.
- Four cups of water.Two tbsp lemon juice.
Preparation:
- Presoak Chia seeds in the water for 30 minutes.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the soaked Chia seeds.
- Combine the mixture thoroughly.
- Enjoy the drink.
4. Chia Seeds and Yogurt for Weight Loss:
Ingredients:
- One cup of yogurt.
- Two tbsp of chia seeds.
- One sliced peach.
- One sliced plum.
- ½ sliced orange.
- Mint leaves.
Preparation:
- Place all the sliced fruits into a bowl.
- Now add the yogurt and stir.
- Now, add the chia seeds to the bowl and combine them thoroughly.
- Use mint leaves to garnish the yogurt bowl.
5. Chia Seeds with Milk for Weight Loss:
Ingredients:
- One cup of boiled, cooled, and chilled milk.
- Two tbsp of chia seeds (bloomed).
- ¼ tbsp of vanilla essence.
- One tbsp of honey.
Preparation:
- Take a bowl and add milk to it.
- Add the bloomed chia seeds to the milk bowl.
- Now add honey and vanilla essence to it and combine.
- Use a blender to blend the content for a few seconds.
- Serve it chilled.
6. Cinnamon and Chia Seeds:
Ingredients:
- One tbsp of cinnamon.
- One tbsp of chia seeds.
- One tbsp of honey.
- One cup of water.
Preparation:
- Soak the chia seeds in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes.
- Now add cinnamon powder, honey and combine them thoroughly.
- Chia and cinnamon drink for weight loss is ready.
7. Chia seeds smoothie:
Ingredients:
- One banana.
- One tbsp of chia seeds.
- One cup of blueberries.
- One cup of full-fat milk.
- One tbsp of Greek yogurt.
Preparation:
- Slice the banana into pieces after peeling and place it in a blender.
- Now add all the other fruits, chia seeds, and milk.
- Blitz it a few times.
- Pour the contents into a glass and drink it fresh.
8. Chia Seeds and Ginger:
Ingredients:
- One bulb of ginger.
- Two tbsp of lime juice.
- One tbsp of turmeric powder.
- One quartered apple.
- Seven roughly chopped carrots.
- One tbsp of honey.
- Two tbsp of chia seeds.
Preparation:
- Place all the ingredients in a blender.
- Blend them until it forms a smooth paste. Make sure the paste is not grainy.
- Use a cheesecloth to run through the milk.
- You can save the veggie pulp for other purposes.
- Drink it fresh.
[Read: Health Benefits of Eating Quinoa]
If you are looking for a healthy weight loss plan, nutritious chia seeds can be an excellent option. But keep in mind that these are no magic beans, and you should add them to a healthy diet that helps maintain a healthy weight naturally. But make sure you don’t over consume them and maintain a balance. We hope you found this article helpful, and let us know!
Disclaimer: The information we have provided in this article is based on pure research and not a replacement for professional advice. The website is not responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information.
FAQ:
1. Is it safe to store chia seeds in water?
Ans: You can store the drink made with chia seeds in a refrigerator in an airtight bottle. You can drink it when required once refrigerated. If you keep it well, they can last up to a few days.
2. How long should we presoak chia seeds in water?
Ans: It is better to presoak chia seeds for about 30 minutes to one hour for better absorption and soaking. When you soak these seeds in water, they swell more than ten times their original size.
3. When is the best time to drink chia seeds for weight loss?
Ans: The best time to drink chia seeds for weight loss is in the morning on an empty stomach. By doing so, digestion and metabolism increase positively. However, some people say that chia seeds provide a better sleep pattern when taken at night.
