Contents

• Chia seeds in the kitchen
• Great power hidden in tiny grains
• Chia seeds: every day!

Chia seeds, or Spanish sage, have been one of the biggest hits in the health food industry for some time now and are one of the great culinary discoveries. They owe their popularity to a unique combination of interesting properties and a powerful dose of nutrients.

Chia seeds in the kitchen

What do we mean when we talk about the "interesting properties" of these unassuming seeds, which at first glance are somewhat reminiscent of poppy seeds? Well, first of all, it's their gelling properties: When chia seeds are infused with water or another liquid, they form a gel coating around themselves that thickens the liquid and, with the right proportions, can even turn it into something like a pudding or jelly.

Chia seeds are often used as a refreshing beverage, but healthy food lovers around the world have found many other uses for them: from sprinkling the seeds on baked goods and desserts to adding them to salads and sandwiches to making healthy puddings and jams without added preservative sugar. Sage seeds serve exclusively as a thickener and gelling agent.

Great power hidden in tiny grains

What makes chia seeds an internet hit: More importantly, these unassuming seeds are a true source of nutrients! They contain large amounts of B vitamins (thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and folic acid), as well as important health-promoting minerals like calcium and iron (in much larger amounts than typically found in plant-based products—hence why chia seeds are popular with vegans!), magnesium , manganese, phosphorus, and zinc.

They're also high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, and relatively low in carbohydrates (which is good news for those trying to limit sugar in their diet!). The swelling of the seeds makes them ideal for those who care about their figure: a small amount of seeds swells in the stomach, causing a feeling of fullness. To fully experience the beneficial effects of chia seeds on your health, it's worth eating them every day: But how to include them in your daily menu so as not to get discouraged and bored over time? We have some ideas for you!

Chia seeds: every day!

How can you get the most out of the health-promoting properties of chia and sage seeds? Add them to your meals every day, of course! And what's the easiest way? For beginners, we recommend mixing them into a fruit and vegetable cocktail: they thicken it, give it a pleasant texture, and at the same time, don't grind your teeth, which many people don't like.

You can also sprinkle a teaspoon of seeds onto your morning oatmeal or yogurt, or even onto a salad (assuming it's meant to be eaten immediately, otherwise the seeds will swell and may not look very aesthetically pleasing!). Advanced chia enthusiasts can make their own chia fresca, i.e. something like sage-thickened lemonade: Pour a heaped spoonful (or more!) of seeds over a glass of water, stir, add freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste, and let it sit for a few to about a dozen minutes while the seeds swell (best for this purpose). Time to let the drink chill in the refrigerator. It's wonderfully refreshing and effectively thirst-quenching!