The superfood that actually works
Superfoods. I have some thoughts on it. Or actually, I just think it's nothing. Except for a few things. For example, I love to spoon coconut oil into my banana bread and I prefer to have a big acai bowl for breakfast. But we also can't get enough of chia seeds at home. As small as they are, they are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibers, and proteins. But there's more. These are the reasons to reach for this super seed a bit more often.
1. Radiant skin
Chia seeds contain a whole lot of antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals, which increases your skin's ability to repair itself and prevents damage and aging.
2. Vegan
They make your baking simple vegan. By mixing a tablespoon of chia seeds with lukewarm water, you can easily replace an egg in your baking.
3. Healthy digestion
Chia seeds are full of fiber, about 35 grams per 100 grams of seeds. They ensure good digestion and a healthy bowel movement.
4. Lose pounds
Chia seeds bind perfectly with water, creating a kind of jelly-like substance in your stomach. This makes you feel full quickly, so you're less likely to reach for that snack.
5. Stable blood sugar levels
The jelly I mentioned in the previous point slows down the conversion of carbohydrates to sugars, resulting in less insulin being produced. This keeps not only your blood sugar levels but also your hormones nicely balanced.
6. Diabetes
Chia seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, which helps prevent insulin resistance. Your cholesterol levels will also rise less quickly. Both increase the risk of diabetes. So go ahead and have another spoon.
7. Gains
A serving of chia seeds contains almost five grams of protein. By stirring a spoonful of seeds into your yogurt, you're already hitting ten percent of the recommended amount (on top of your yogurt, okay). A quick and easy way to boost your protein after your workout.
8. Quick breakfast
With two tablespoons of chia seeds, a splash of (plant-based) milk, and a handful of blueberries, you can whip up a delicious breakfast in no time.
But that's not all. Did you know that chia seeds are the base for homemade jam? No more reaching for those sugar bombs in the supermarket, from now on you'll enjoy that fresh croissant on Sunday with a generous spread of butter and jam made from fresh strawberries.
For one jar of strawberry jam
300 grams of fresh strawberries
zest of half a lemon
2 heaping tablespoons of chia seeds
3 tablespoons of maple syrup or agave syrup
1. Clean the strawberries, halve them, and bring them to a boil with the maple syrup and lemon zest.
2. Stir regularly and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
3. Mash the strawberries with a fork and then stir in the chia seeds.
4. Cook it for about 15 more minutes on low heat. Stir regularly.
5. Put the jam in a jar and let it cool without a lid.
