5 Reasons To Add Chia Seeds To Your Diet

From better skin, healthy bones and improved digestion, Chia seeds have well and truly earned their spot as one of the healthiest superfoods on the market. Read on to find out why you should start adding them to your diet today.

1. They're packed full of nutrients
These superseeds whether white, brown, black or even red, have a huge nutritional profile. They contain high levels of manganese, around 7 times more Vitamin C than oranges, 4 times more antioxidants than blueberries and 3 times more iron than spinach. More so, chia seeds are actually the highest known plant source of Omega-3, with 8 times more than salmon. Just think of how much goodness you're getting from one little seed!

2. Stronger teeth and bones
Chia seeds contain 27 per cent of your daily phosphorus requirements. Phosphorus is used by the body to synthesise protein for cell growth and repair, helping you to maintain strong, healthy bones and teeth. They also have around 18 per cent of the recommended daily intake for calcium to help prevent bone conditions like osteoporosis, in fact chia seeds have 5 times the amount of calcium than milk!

PHOTO1_right 3. They're full of fibre
Just a 28 gram serving of chia has 11 grams of fibre, which is about a third of the recommend daily intake for adults. Adding some chia to your diet is an easy way to make sure you're getting a good amount of fibre, which is important for good digestion. Chia seeds even have 6 times more fibre than oat bran.

4. They help you stay fuller for longer
Chia seeds pack in the protein (without the cholesterol!) with one 28-gram serving containing 4.4 grams of protein, nearly 10 per cent of the daily recommended value.
They also contain the amino acid Tryptophan which helps to regulate appetite, sleep and improve your mood.

5. Clearer, glowing skin
These superseeds are rich in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight inflammation and wrinkles, as well as keeping your skin soft and supple. Their anti-inflammatory properties and presence of omega-3 also maintain the health of the cell membrane, enabling cells to hold water so your skin is dewy and moisturised!

You can sprinkle chia seeds as they are on salads, muesli, cereal, yoghurt, smoothies, pastas...almost anything! The seeds are tasteless so they won't affect the flavour of your food or drinks. They can also be used as an egg substitute in pancake batter, cakes, bread and other dishes.

Looking for a delicious recipe? Try our chia oat porridge!