Odds are that you’ve probably encountered chia seeds on social media mostly in their trendy pudding form (and we’re going to get to that in a bit). But chia seeds have more in them than just being a great healthy pudding basis, and it’s about time you get to know them a bit better!
Where Do Chia Seeds Come From, Anyway?
Chia seeds actually come from a Mexican plant in the mint family called Salvia Hispanica.
Nutritional Value
Chia seeds became a popular ingredient in different foods largely thanks to the great amount and diversity of nutrients they contain. They’re high in fiber and protein, and they’re also an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart. Other than that, they’re rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Btw, chia seeds provide you with all these great nutrients while still being very low-calorie, which is an added bonus.
So, What About That Pudding Thing?
The tiny, round chia seeds are surprisingly great at absorbing crazy amounts of liquid! That’s what makes them such amazing pudding candidates. Thanks to being hygroscopic, chia seeds can actually absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid. Other than absorbing liquid, they also form a special coating. This is what gives chia-based foods and drinks, just like those trending social media puddings with blueberries on top, their special gel texture.
