‘Dynamite comes in small packages’ – this statement cannot be further from the truth when it comes to chia seeds. Although tiny in size, these edible seeds are incredibly rich in nutrients. But why have they become to talk of the town?
The recent booming obsession with chia seeds arose through TikTok when content creators introduced the ‘internal shower’.
The Internal Shower explained
The internal shower rose to popularity as people discovered that drinking the mixture on an empty stomach helped them with detoxifying the body internally.
Here’s how to make it
Stir in some lemon juice and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before consuming. Especially if you feel slightly backed up, the shower will help loosen your bowels. Pro-tip: don’t over do the chia seeds as they pack a lot of protein! Stick to a teaspoon.
Not a one-way ticket to weight loss
This is by no means a quick fix to weight loss and should be tried cautiously and in moderation but the beneficial properties have been eminent.
More benefits packing a tiny punch
Chia seeds are the edible seeds of Salvia Hispanica, a flowering plant in the mint family. The seeds are tiny, oval shaped and grey with black and white spots in colour. When placed in water they expand and form a jelly-like texture.
This gluten-free super seed has many benefits for your body and contains protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential vegetarian omega-3 fatty acids.
Some other benefits include:
- Flushing the internal system, leaving you feeling lighter
- Reducing some abdominal bloating.
- Highly nutritious
- Loaded with antioxidants
- High in protein and fiber that may assist in weight loss
- May lower the risk of heart disease
- May reduce blood sugar levels
- Versatile – Easy to incorporate into your eating
If you want to reap as many benefits as possible when it comes to chia seeds; consider incorporating them into your diet. They’re a great addition to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, baked goods, and more. Chia seeds are generally safe to consume unless you have a chia seed allergy of course.
Pro Tip:
Personally, I love adding some chia seeds to my overnight oats to create a chai seed pudding with fresh berries.
ALSO SEE: Berry & coconut chia puddings
https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/berry-coconut-chia-puddings
Feature image: Unsplash
Written by Amy Steenkamp for Woman&Home.
