How Is Chia Water Made And What Is It For?

Chia seeds are one of the main sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids, especially in the plant diet. They also contain calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, B vitamins and proteins. Together they provide multiple nutritional properties that are very beneficial for our body.

It is advisable to consume chia seeds regularly, if possible daily, to ensure that you obtain sufficient amounts of omega-3s. The indicated amount is approximately one tablespoon of seeds, which provide approximately 2.5 g of omega-3s (the recommended intake is a minimum of 1.5 g).

Drinking chia water is a good way to consume them. We explain how it is prepared.

Ingredients (for 1 people):

• 15 g chia seeds
• The juice of a lemon
• 500 ml of water
• 1 tablespoon of the sweetener you like the most such as whole cane sugar, xylitol or coconut sugar.

Elaboration:

1. Soak the chia seeds. To do this, put the chia in a container and cover them with water. Obviously in this step you will not spend the entire liter of water, only the amount necessary to cover all the seeds. Save the rest of the water for later. You will need to soak them for an hour to soften and grow.
2. Meanwhile, take another container and pour in the water that was left over from the previous step. Add the lemon juice and mix well. If you don’t have lemon, you can use lime juice, the result will be very similar.
3. Add the sweetener and stir well.
4. Once the soaking time of the seeds has elapsed, add the chia to the lemon water without straining it. Mix everything well and let it sit for 10 minutes. You can leave it at room temperature or put it in the refrigerator, depending on whether you want the water to be fresh or natural.
5. After the resting time, you can serve it in glasses and, if you wish, add ice cubes and decorate with a lemon or lime wedge. Do not strain the water, drink the seeds to benefit from all its properties.

What are the benefits of eating chia seeds?

• Improved heart health: Chia seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a precursor to the omega-3 family found in plants. In the human body, ALA is converted to the other two omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We know that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for a healthy cardiovascular system because they reduce inflammation and cholesterol, among other effects. They are also beneficial for the brain.
• Better glucose control: A study in rats found that consuming a diet that regularly contained chia seeds or chia seed oil improved their response to glucose and insulin. More research is needed in humans, but chia seeds appear to help balance blood sugar because their high fiber content slows its absorption.
• Smoother Digestion: Chia seeds are a plentiful source of fiber, with 10g in 2 tablespoons. The fiber in chia seeds is mainly soluble, which helps you increase the feeling of satiety, slows down digestion and favors the good state of the intestinal microbiota.

Other ways to consume chia seeds

Here are four other delicious ways to eat chia seeds:

• Add it directly to foods like smoothies, yogurt, soup, oatmeal, or porridge.
• Create a “chia gel” by mixing a quarter cup of chia seeds and a cup of water or non-dairy milk. This gel can be used as a nutritional booster and thickener for a wide variety of foods.
• Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to porridge for a nutritional punch and consistency.