Should you eat chia seeds daily? Yes. What are the benefits of chia seeds, and how do you eat them? I’m going to cover this and much more in this post.
I’m even going to share a chia seed face mask recipe at the end! I just started using it, so it’s too soon to see results, but I love the way my skin felt afterward!.
I’m also going to share a couple of easy and healthy chia seed recipes for you. And if you’re worried about whether or not you’ll like the taste, I have some good news for you. They have no taste!
Let’s get started.
(I’ve included some links to products you can purchase from Amazon that are affiliate links – affiliate policy here)
What are chia seeds, and where did they come from?
Chia seeds come from the Salvia hispanica plant, native to Mexico and Guatemala. They were a staple food for the ancient Aztecs and Mayans, prized for their ability to provide long-lasting energy.
Fun fact for you: the word “chia” is derived from the Mayan word for “strength.” Today, they’re enjoyed worldwide as a nutrient-dense superfood, and they’re especially powerful for those of us over 55.
And the best part? They’re ridiculously easy to add to your diet. You just have to know the right way to use them (spoiler: it involves water).
So now that you know what they are, let’s get to some of the amazing health benefits of chia seeds.
Health Benefits and why you should eat chia seeds daily
Let’s get to the good stuff – the health benefits and why you should eat chia seeds daily.
I’ll be honest, this is a new rabbit hole for me. I’ve had a jar of chia seeds in my pantry for a while now, but I still haven’t used them. And then one day, while I was scrolling through YouTube, a video came up and away I went. Chia seed rabbit hole.
So, now I am on a mission to try to eat chia seeds daily, find new chia seed recipes and other yummy and easy ways to eat them.
The health benefits of chia seeds
Here are 10 reasons why you should eat chia seeds daily. If these reasons aren’t enough for you, then I got nothing!
Strengthens Bones – Packed with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus to help maintain strong and healthy bones – so important as we age!
Supports Heart Health – Omega-3 fatty acids help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Improves Digestion – Chia seeds’ high fibre content aids in digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and can help prevent constipation.
Balances Blood Sugar – The fibre in chia seeds can help slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, potentially helping to stabilize blood sugar levels
Eases Joint Pain – Chia seeds are rich in ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that has been shown to reduce inflammation and joint pain in the body.
Boosts Energy & Stamina – They are a good source of protein, fibre, and healthy fats, which, when combined, control blood sugar levels and prevent midday crashes
Enhances Sexual Health – They can indirectly support sexual health due to their nutrient content. Also, they contribute to overall well-being, which can positively impact sexual desire and performance.
Keeps Skin Healthy – They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals, which provide deep hydration, fight premature aging, reduce inflammation, and promote a radiant glow. (chia seeds face mask recipe below!)
Supports Healthy Weight – The high fibre content helps you feel full and satisfied longer, preventing overeating and weight gain.
Aids Muscle Recovery – Protein and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids, help repair muscles after exercise and help reduce inflammation.
how to prepare chia seeds for consumption
Never eat chia seeds completely dry. They absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid, and eating them without soaking can be uncomfortable, as they can cause digestive discomfort, including bloating, gas, and constipation.
That happened to me once. I completely forgot to prepare them properly first before I added them to my chia seed smoothie (recipe below), and I paid dearly for that mistake.
Best practice: Soak them in water (or another liquid) for at least 15 minutes before adding to your food or drink. They’ll turn into a soft, jelly-like texture that’s easy to eat and digest. The ratio is 1:4, so one teaspoon of chia seeds to 4 teaspoons of water, but I never measure the liquid.
Just guestimate :p It’s more fun that way!
Easy Chia seed pudding recipes
I found this on Pinterest and it is perfect!!! Simply mix all ingredients together, store in refrigerator for up to one hour before eating – overnight is best! There is no one to credit this image to, sorry.
You can use any milk for these, any fruits, any berries. The sky is the limit, and you mix and match these any way you want!
my chia seed smoothie recipe
This is my simple chia seed smoothie recipe, and yes, I soak my chia seeds first!! It’s easy for me to eat chia seeds daily with this simple smoothie recipe.
- 1 banana
- 1/4 blueberries (or other berries/fruits – mine are usually frozen, but you can use fresh, just make sure to add ice to your smoothie to give it that smoothie texture and make it chill!)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp all-natural peanut butter (optional)
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 scoop collagen powder
- 1 tsp chia seeds (I’ll increase this to one tbsp in about a month)
- 1 tsp 100% pure dark cocoa powder (because, chocolate!) also optional
Blend it all up and enjoy!! You can check out my YouTube short to watch me in action!
More healthy articles you might like:
- 15 Longevity Foods to Add to Your Diet
- 24 Best Weight Loss Foods
- 20 Powerful Anti-Aging Foods For Glowing Skin
Other Ways to eat Chia Seeds daily
- Oatmeal or Yogurt: Stir them in for added texture and nutrition.
- Salads: Add soaked seeds for a mild, nutty crunch.
- Baking: Use them as an egg replacement — 1 tbsp chia + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg.
- Soups and Stews: Stir in soaked seeds to naturally thicken.
Fun tip for you: you can presoak chia seeds and refrigerate them for up to 5 days in an airtight container, so you always have some ready to use (in case you don’t have 15 minutes to wait for them to be ready).
chia seed face mask
And before we close, and as promised, here’s the chia seed face mask I just whipped up today. I love it, but because I am new to this mask, I can’t share any results just yet, but my face did feel nice after!
- 1 tsp pre-soaked chia seeds
- 1 tsp all-natural yogurt
- 1 tsp natural honey
- 1/4 cup mashed papaya
- 1 tsp already used coffee grounds
- 3-5 drops carrot seed oil if you have it – this is optional really
Mix it all together, gently apply on face, leave on for up to 20 minutes, rinse off with cool water. I like to not add anything to my face after a mask and just let it breathe for a bit. You can apply your favourite anti-aging serum or moisturizer if you wish.
This is the Vitamin C serum I recently bought and love. It feels like silk on my skin.
final thoughts
You can see why it is beneficial to eat chia seeds daily, how to eat them and more. Start small and slow with one teaspoon for the first week or so, and let your stomach get used to them because they are high in fibre!
After that, have fun and enjoy and watch all the health benefits of chia seeds show up in your body, mind and soul!
xo iva xo
