How to Use Chia Seeds in Smoothies – Tips & Guidances

There are smoothies with oatmeal, smoothies with yogurt, smoothies with tofu, but the most common superfood that used in a smoothie is chia seeds.

The chia seeds come from the Salvia Hispanica or chia plant which is a flowering plant in the mint family. Its seeds are dark brown, oblong-shaped, and pops when pressed. The seeds also become coated with a gel when soaked for a long time.

The seeds were part of the daily diet of Aztecs during the Mesoamerican era. Until now in modern times, these seeds have found themselves to be part of many varieties of food.

Let’s discuss more this superfood and how you should use them in your smoothie.

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The Benefits of Adding Chia Seeds in Your Smoothies

chia seeds

Before smoothies, chia seeds are added to different food and drinks like peach cobbler, blackberry Jia jam, or chia lemonade.

The main reason why a lot of people put chia seeds in their smoothies is the health benefits of this superfood. A regular banana or strawberry smoothie is already healthy. Can you imagine if you add chia seeds into it?

Serving size of 100 grams of chia seeds gives 17 grams of protein, 8.83 milligrams of niacin, and 34 grams of dietary fiber.

An average smoothie would require at least two tablespoons or 25 grams of chia seeds. You will still get 4 grams of protein, 2 milligrams of niacin, and 8 grams of fiber.

Expect a smooth running digestive system and an overall healthy body. Also, chia seeds are packed with antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids. Other health benefits of this superfood are they can improve your body’s healing capability, reduce blood sugar levels, and even lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Aside from the health benefits you get, chia seeds in smoothies make drinking a healthy smoothie fun. It is also gluten-free, so it is good for the extra-health conscious. No need to worry too with the costs since a single two-pound pack of chia seeds costs roughly $15.

What Does Chia Seeds Taste Like in a Smoothie?

First, it gives a unique look to your drink and avoids it being visually monotonous, just like any other smoothie. Think of a vibrant pink strawberry smoothie with white swirls from the milk and black speckles from the seeds. It looks good, especially on social media if you are the type to share your food.

Second, it adds another layer of texture in your drink. Typically, drinking a smoothie feels like drinking semi-melted ice cream. It feels heavy on the tongue due to its dense texture.

When bitten, chia seeds give a “pop” in your mouth. Add the chunks of mango or strawberry; you have now a chia seed smoothie that is more fun to drink.

How to use Chia Seeds in Smoothie? Is It Better to Blend it?

soaked chia seeds
Soaked Chia Seeds

Typically, chia, soaked or not, seeds are added into the drink directly for added crunch, or they are blended first with water to create a gel-like substance.

There is no better way here. Different people preferred both. Also, both are more fitting to certain situations. For example, if you have braces on your teeth, it is better to soak and blend it first to keep the seed soft.

When you soak chia seeds in water, they expand in size and clump up to form a gel. They lose their crunch but makes them easier to swallow. People with problems in swallowing and digesting should add chia seeds that are soaked.

More and more people are recommending to soak the seeds overnight before incorporating them into your food. Soaked chia seeds are easier to digest and helps your stomach to digest other food. The nutrients are also absorbed faster.

[su_note note_color=”#fffabb”]Protips: Whenever I decided to soak chia seeds, I always use almond milk instead of water and save it in the refrigerator overnight. You will get almond chia puddings which is a perfect pair for your smoothies.[/su_note]

Other people grind it first to make it into a powder. The powder one makes it easier to mix into the drink. Ground chia seeds give the same health benefits without the crunchy texture, which makes them appropriate for teas and even chicken breading.

When storing them, keep them in an airtight container and avoid putting moisture inside the container. This could happen when you have wet hands and reach into the container.

Blueberry Chia Seed Smoothie Recipes

Blueberry Chia Seed Smoothie Recipes

Ingredients:
  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • 1½ cup of frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup apple
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • shredded coconut for toping

Fruit smoothies with chia are always a hit in all seasons including this classic blueberry smoothie.

Add all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. A useful tip is to blend the ingredients in short bursts instead of a straight minute to have a smooth consistency.

Winding it Up

Add chia seeds in your smoothies whatever the recipe is no brainer. It doesn’t change the taste but only gives you a different texture or unique feelings depends on whether you are using non-soaked or pre-soaked chia seeds.

With all the benefits comes from this superfood, then there is no reason not to include it into your smoothie.

Susanna

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