The Benefits of Chia Seeds for your health and for endurance sports.
The Benefits of Chia Seeds
The Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds may no longer be a top food trend but they still have a place in a healthy diet.What is the origin of the Chia seed? They come from a plant in the mint family Native to Guatemala and Mexico. They can add Omega 3’s into your diet although this source is not as readily usable by your body as the Omega 3’s found in oily fish such as salmon. Chia seeds contain a lot of fiber (be sure not to overdo it). Due to the high fiber content they can cause a feeling of fullness for long periods of time. This is great if you are currently on a weight loss regimen. Here are some other great possible benefits:
- Natural energizers- They are a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fiber.
- Supports heart health–They contain high levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids derived solely from plants.
- Great source of protein–They contain a higher percentage of protein than most grains.
- Antioxidant
- They are high in nutrients that help bone health such as calcium and magnesium
Chia Seeds and Endurance Sports
Chia seeds are considered to be in a category of superfoods. They became more well known after the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (soon to be a Major-Motion Picture with Matthew McConaughey?!?) detailed how they were used by the Tarahumara barefoot runners in Mexico. It was the original runners gel, when added to water it takes on a gelatinous quality and is made easy for consumption. Many ultra runners use Chia seeds as a part of their fueling regimen. When consuming Chia seeds soaked in water they enable the body to slow the breakdown of carbohydrates which can allow for longer sustained energy.
While chia seeds may no longer be a current food trend their popularity in the endurance sports community and clean eating communities is still strong. I was first introduced to them by Sarah Stanley, ultra runner, founder of #wellnesschat and #livefreely. Since my introduction I have come to love adding Chia into my oatmeal, into smoothies, making Chia puddings, and in Mamma Chia Drinks (Review and Giveaway COMING SOON!).
Chia Seed Recipes
Here are some awesome recipes to try at home that include Chia seeds that you may want to try:
- Raspberry Cacao Chia Pudding–Organic Runner Mom
- Grain Free Chocolate Coconut Chia Bread –Cotter Crunch
- Pumpkin Chia Granola Bars –Happy Fit Mama
- Vegan Chia Seed Pancakes –Running on Real Food
- Healthy Chocolate Mousse Smoothie – Running with Spoons
- Superfood Chocolate Chia Kefir Pudding –Run To the Finish
- Paleo Banana Chia Bites –Running to the Kitchen
Have you ever tried Chia Seeds? What did you think? Do you have a favorite recipe to share that uses Chia Seeds?
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Mmm, I love chia seeds! I make vanilla pudding with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, chia seeds, and a splash of pure vanilla. Topped with fresh berries, it makes a great recovery snack after a long run!
I use them all the time in all the things! But I’m excited to try some of these new recipes–thanks!
misszippy recently posted…Crawling to the finish line: heroic or stupid?
I love adding chia to smoothies, granola, muffins..love the stuff 😉
AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted…Snowed In and Fried Tofu for Meat Lovers
I love chia seeds. I put them in my smoothies and I’ve made a chia pudding before. Thanks for sharing the recipes, I will definitely be trying them out!! Always looking for new ways to incorporate them!
Honestly no I can’t believe I’ve never tried them! Being a vegetarian they would be great to add to my diet just wasn’t sure what to do with them.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Are you Over Training?
I’ve tried chia seeds a couple of times, and around that time had an allergic reaction that required a visit to the ER. We never could fully attribute my reaction to the chia seeds, but we’re also pretty sure that’s the only new food item I had eaten around the time of the reaction. While the health benefits of eating them are great, I’m not sure I want to risk having another allergic reaction.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Comment on Factors to Consider When Choosing a Race by Lesley
I love chia – I liked adding it to pureed mango and making pudding. YUM.
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Fitbit Flex vs. Jawbone UP24
Yes! I wish I remembered to use Chia seeds more, but you are so right, they are so good for us! I will share this on runners connect 🙂
I was resistant to the whole chia seed movement for quite a while – determined that the chia pudding was just not going to be right. But I’m a convert now. After looking more at the nutrition, I decided to give them a go and am now loving the versatility! Great post, super informational!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free recently posted…Mini Salted Caramel Cupcake Sundaes
I love chia seeds! They are an oatmeal staple! I still need to get around to making chia puddings though!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Celiac Disease Is Not An Allergy
L-O-V-E me some chia!! Use them in smoothies, pudding, salad, drinks… Angela Liddon at Oh She Glows (fabulous plant based blog/cookbook) has this recipe for Suagar Free Chia parfait. I eat it for smack and mostly at breakfasts:
http://ohsheglows.com/2013/09/05/sugar-free-apple-pie-chia-seed-jam-breakfast-parfait/
I love chia seed pudding and I love just randomly adding them to smoothies, bars, oatmeal, muffins, whatever for a healthy addition!
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Weight Watchers Week 2
I’m a big fan of overnight oats, which use chia seeds to make everything all fluffy. I also use them to make paleo pancakes! yum yum!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Full Body Cardio BLAST Workout
That sounds good Nicole – what’s the recipe?
I LOVE chia seeds, and will try and put them in just about anything 😉 I’ve even had them in just a glass of water with a little agave mixed in. Thanks for this post!
Jess @hellotofit recently posted…The elephant in the…hut
I am not supposed to eat chia seeds as they are not Paleo but I am beginning to think I should anyway.
I think I started eating chia when Born to Run came out. I love them!
I like chia seeds but have never tried them for long or endurance runs. I need to test this out.
I’ve tried chia but haven’t been a huge fan. Whenever I put it in my smoothies I still get chunks of them…any tips for making it smoother/not so chewy? Or maybe I’ll just have to get flax seed oil instead.
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…My WeightWatchers Review
I LOVE chia seeds! I put them in my yogurt mostly.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Ditch the canned soup recipes
We put chia seeds on EVERYTHING. Just last night, we sprinkled them on kale chips before putting them in the oven!
Chia is a staple in our house. I have an awesome chia pudding recipe that we love.
I love, love, love chia seeds! I love them in pretty much anything!
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) recently posted…Fukumoto Friday: Week 14
I personally love chia seeds its a shame they were prevented for use in consumption in the USA. Which was due to the patent on the Chia Pet. I personally love Mamma Chia.
Chia seeds are so great, It helps me to burn fat withing 6 month it also works against dehydration.
Thanks for sharing your informative post.
I love chia seeds. I started eating them for the antioxidants. Then I felt full even after eating just a little. Now I put them into my banana-strawberry smoothie.
I love them too especially in a smoothie!