Chia seeds are one of the single easiest and healthy additions you can make to any smoothie recipe. Watch my presentation to learn about all of the beneficial nutrients in these little seeds. Visit my website SmoothieFans.com for tons of smoothie recipes and healthy ingredient articles.
2. Introduction:
› I have an addiction to smoothies. I’ve collected
tons of recipes and added them to my website
SmoothieFans.com
› I love to add easy healthy ingredients to my
smoothies to pack in more nutrients.
› One of my favorites is Chia seeds. They are
super nutritious, you don’t need to add much,
and they don’t alter the flavor of smoothies at
all.
› Find out why you should be putting Chia seeds
in your smoothies.
3. Chia Seed Origins:
› Chia seeds are edible seeds that come from
the Salvia Hispanics plant. This plant is native
to southern Mexico and Guatemala and
belongs to the mint family.
› Chia was a staple crop for the Aztecs and
Mayans and means “Strength” in Mayan.
› The Chia seed has a mild nutty flavor and
doesn’t need to be ground to reap its
nutritional benefits. For this reason it makes an
excellent healthy smoothie ingredient addition
to just about any recipe.
4. Chia Seed Nutritional Value:
› One ounce of Chia seeds packs a lot of nutrients.
The biggest beneficial nutrients are its high amount
of fiber, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
› One Ounce (2 Tablespoons) Chia Seed:
› 139 Calories
› 4g Protein
› 9g Fat
› 12g Carbohydrates
› 11g Fiber = 42% DV
› Calcium 18% DV
› Iron 12% DV
› Magnesium 23% DV
› Manganese 30% DV
5. Chia Seeds Are A High Source
Of Fiber:
› Chia seeds are an incredible source of fiber. We
all know fiber is good for us and helps with
making us feel fuller longer.
› The high fiber content of Chia seeds help you
feel fuller longer because they absorb a lot of
water, which causes the Chia seed to expand
into a gel slowing down the digestive tract.
› High fiber foods are well known for reducing
inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and bowel
function.
6. Chia Seeds Have Tons Of
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
› Chia seeds are very high in polyunsaturated
fats. The lipid profile for Chia seeds is composed
of 60% omega-3’s especially alpha-linolenic
acid, ALA.
› They also contain a lot of omega-6 fatty acids
at 20% per serving in the form of linolenic acid.
› Chia seeds actually have more Omega-3 than
salmon with no risk of mercury.
7. Chia Seeds Have Tons Of
Omega-3 Fatty Acids cont.:
› Omega-3’s are important because they are
essential fatty acids that build new cells and
regulate body processes. Our bodies don’t make
them on their own so we need to consume them
from outside sources.
› Omega-3 can help reduce inflammation, reduce
cholesterol, improve cognitive performance,
support heart health, and improve skin, hair, and
nails.
› Omega-3’s are also helpful for those that are
pregnant because they improve brain health of
developing babies.
8. Other Fun Chia Seed Facts:
› Chia seeds do not contain any gluten.
› Chia seeds are also packed with antioxidants to
fight free radical molecules reducing aging and
cancer risks.
› Chia seeds have a long shelf life of almost two
years if refrigerated.
9. How Do I Prepare Chia Seeds
For A Smoothie:
› The best way to prepare Chia seeds to add to
smoothies is to soak them in water 10-15 minutes
before you make your smoothie.
› You can also make a batch of Chia gel ahead
of time and store in the refrigerator.
› I’ve had the best luck with a ratio of 1
tablespoon of Chia seeds to 1/3 to 1/2 cup
water.
› If you want to be really healthy, soak the seeds
in coconut water.
10. My Suggested Chia Seed
Brands:
› Nutiva Chia Seeds
› Healthworks Chia Seeds
› Navitas Chia Seeds
› For links to purchase these chia seeds visit:
smoothiefans.com/must-add-chia-seeds-smoothie-recipe/
11. I hope you enjoyed this article!
› Visit SmoothieFans.com for
tons of smoothie recipes,
healthy smoothie ingredient
advice, and tips
