Easy as 1-2-3 Chia Seed Gel (Only 2 Ingredients!)

You’ve probably seen chia seeds flood the health world.  There are good reasons why.  If you’ve tried everything chia there is (including my peanut butter cup chia pudding), and still don’t like chia seeds, I’ve found a way to sneak it into your snacks: chia gel.  And before you think it’s not your cup of tea, stick with me.

Don’t let chia seeds’ size fool you.  In the Mayan language, chia means “strength.”  So what are the benefits?

1. Chia seed benefits include promoting healthy skin and reducing signs of aging due to being an excellent source of antioxidants.
2. They’re also super high in fiber (11 grams/ounce!), making them great for bowel regularity – I know, not the best subject.  Chia seeds create a pudding-like texture in the stomach due to the soluble fiber in chia seeds, and it can work as a prebiotic.  Prebiotics induce the activity of beneficial microorganisms in your gut.
3. Researchers think that this gel action creates a barrier between carbohydrates and enzymes in the stomach which slows the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.  This is what accounts for the endurance benefits of chia seeds (perfect for before a workout).
4. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help raise the “good” cholesterol HDL, fight inflammation, and lower blood pressure.  They have more Omega-3s than salmon!
5. Chia seeds are high in linoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps the body absorb fat-soluble A, D, E, and K.
6. They’re one of the top plant-based sources of protein, with 4 grams/ounce!

What I like about this recipe is that you can sneak it anywhere.  For example, I like to put a spoon in my cashew greek yogurt, steel-cut overnight oats, or a green smoothie.

I’m a big chia lover and I often times get the munchies*, so sometimes I just grab a spoonful of it as a light snack while studying (a little odd, I know, but it works).

Enjoy!

*Since the fiber of chia seeds absorb a lot of water and expand in the stomach, it slows down the absorption of food, making you feel full.

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/291334.php

https://draxe.com/chia-seeds-benefits-side-effects/