There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of chia seeds if you traveled back in time 20 years and reside in the United States. They were almost entirely unknown and unavailable in stores. But this superfood is now widely available in grocery shops in a variety of forms. It is found in a variety of healthy nut and seed mixes, yogurt, and much more. You could say it is now a trendy superfood.
But what triggered such hype in only two decades? It’s because people came to realize the myriad benefits you get by eating them and just how versatile they are.
There’s now a hype about these chia seeds, and we’re here to break it down if you still don’t know what all the buzz is about. In this article, you’ll find the most important nutritional facts about chia seeds. What does it offer? Why is it so good, and what compounds are behind its health benefits?
After that, we’re looking at different things to consider before eating chia seeds and some ideas for increasing your intake. After reading, you’ll be ready to head to the supermarket, knowing all the health benefits associated with this superfood. You can decide for yourself if these tiny seeds are worth the hype.
Chia Seed Nutrition Facts
When you see chia seeds, you will realize how small they are. These tiny seeds can be white or black, and both varieties come from the same plant. It is known as Salvia hispanica, which is native to Mesoamerica, including Mexico’s southern and central regions. One of the best aspects of these seeds is the high content of omega 3 fatty acids. You can eat it soaked or dry, and the fiber it has turns surrounding water into a gel-like substance.
The essential nutrients found in 28 grams of chia seed include:
- 138 calories
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 9.8 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Fats: 8.7 grams
- Protein: 4.7 grams
- Sodium: 5 grams
