Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that come from the plant Salvia hispanica which is, surprisingly, related to mint. These little seeds are considered to be superfood because of their many benefits to human health and vast nutritional value. Ancient Mayans used to eat them and it just so happens to be that the word chia is a Mayan word for strength.

These seeds are often regarded as the healthiest food on our planet and when you read about what they have inside them, you really will feel almost like a superhero for eating them. A superhero of your health.

Salvia hispanica is an edible plant native to Central America. It has tiny little oval seeds only around 1 millimeter in diameter that are black or grey with white spots on them but can be entirely white too. These seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid and develop a mucilaginous coating so your food or drink gets a gel-like texture. This is one of the reasons why they are excellent for making puddings.

Chia was cultivated by the Aztec in pre-Columbian times and people used to give it out as an annual tribute to their rulers in 21 of the 38 Aztec provincial states (evident in 6th-century Codex Mendoza). The Aztec priesthood was paid with the offerings of these seeds.

Some people say that chia seeds have a mild, nutty flavor. I disagree. I have been eating chia seeds for years now and to me, they are tasteless. That is the biggest reason why I love them so much. Usually, health means nasty flavor, at least to me and I go to great lengths to make healthy food taste good but not with chia. I add them to almost anything, from soup to juices and they do not change the flavor of food AT ALL. I put them in salads, lemonades, sauces, desserts, oatmeal, juices, puddings...

Chia seeds are loaded with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and so much more. They are like tiny packets of energy. Eating only 2 tablespoons (around 28 grams or one ounce) of these seeds can have a great impact on your health.

By eating only two tablespoons of these lovelies, you will provide your body with the following:

Even though chia seeds are excellent for your health, keep in mind that eating them will not change your life and health if you do not change your behavior. That includes exercise, enough rest and sleep and overall a healthy diet. There are no shortcuts to a healthy living and there is no magic wand that will take your extra weight away. That being said, here are some amazing health benefits from eating chia seeds for you to consider.

Chia seeds have a lot of antioxidants and most researchers agree that antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which would otherwise damage cell molecules and contribute to aging and diseases. Chia seeds are also considered a low-carb food since the most of the carbs in them are fiber so if you are avoiding or taking care of your carb intake, chia seeds are safe to include in your meal.

Chia seeds are highly recommended for people who eat little or no animal products. Most plants are low on their protein levels but chia comes to the rescue. Not only is it higher in protein than most plants but is also has a good balance of essential amino acids which means that the protein will be put to good use in your body.

Chia seeds are high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein, all of which are essential for bone health. You will get a decent amount of calcium from chia seeds but you have to be careful because they also contain phytic acid which reduces calcium absorption so do not rely on them to be your only source of calcium.

As I already mentioned, I put chia seeds in almost everything I eat, at least just a pinch of it. They are really easy to prepare. JUST ADD WATER. That is all you have to do to prepare them. You can add them to your every meal because they will not change its taste, from soups and smoothies to bread and puddings, add them to whatever you want.