Jammin’ with Chia Seeds

Click here to check out my chia seed recipe collection featuring jam, overnight oats and so much more!

Let’s start with the history:
These little powerhouse black seeds are from the Salvia Hispanica plant. The ancient Aztecs and Mayans ate chia seeds for the sustainable energy they provide. The word strength in the Mayan language is chia.

And now the health benefits:
Chia seeds are nutritional superstars... being a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. The nutritional profile for chia seeds is outstanding if you are looking for a low-calorie source of protein and fiber. A 1-ounce serving (about 2 Tablespoons) of chia seeds contains 138 calories, 9 grams of fiber and 4.7 grams of protein!

They are versatile in recipes:
I am so impressed with how chia seeds can thicken fruit to make jam, add body to smoothies, up the fiber in breakfast oats and even replace eggs by mixing them with water. You can eat chia seeds cooked or raw, but they should be added to another food or soaked before eating. Click here to check out my chia seed recipe collection featuring jam, overnight oats and so much more!

And finally, a super fun fact.
These are the same seeds that were used in those crazy terracotta vases to grow hair on characters called chia pets!