Do the seeds used to make Chia Pets also appear in popular recipes? —Mark S , Santa Fe.
A: Yes, but the chia seeds used in the 1977 invention of the terra-cotta pets are not recommended for human consumption and should not be consumed. Instead, visit a pharmacy or grocery store to benefit from the health advantages. Chia seeds are a good source of calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Click here for a tasty pudding recipe. CLOSECLOSECLOSECLOSE.
Chia seed has an abundance of nutritional value. In addition to being high in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, niacin, and zinc, it is also high in antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds, in contrast to flaxseed, do not require grinding before consumption to make their nutrients available to the body. Due to the high fiber content of chia seeds, when soaked in water for 30 minutes, the seeds swell and begin to gel. According to studies, this pathway takes place in the stomach and slows down the breakdown and digestion of carbohydrates while promoting satiety for a longer period of time.
Chia is a nutty-flavored seed that tastes great in salads, sides, and desserts. Chia seeds can be used in a variety of dishes, including cereal, yogurt, smoothies, and even baked goods. Chia seeds can also be used as an alternative to eggs by making chia gel by combining one tablespoon of chia seeds with six tablespoons of water. One tablespoon of chia gel replaces one large egg.
A chia pet is a figurine covered in chia seeds that you can sprout into hair or fur. It is made of terra cotta clay, the same material used to make most flower pots. Those sprouts are simply chia seeds that have been soaked (releasing the phytates), and they are so tiny and tender you can add them to any food and hardly even notice they are there – or just eat them right off of your plant! They have a powerful nutritional punch.
**I do want to point out, if you have chia pet seeds lying around from an old holiday gift or late night Amazon Prime purchase, it’s not a good idea to use them. The Joseph Enterprises VP (the company that brought us the chia pet) said in an interview that the chia seeds that come with the pets aren’t cleaned well and don’t go through the same FDA compliance process as the ones sold for eating. Instead, get these chia seeds to use instead.
Chia seeds are one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on the plant, have a very mild, nutty flavor, and are naturally gluten-free. They are simple to digest, beneficial for hair, skin, and nails, lower blood pressure, lower inflammation, regulate cholesterol, aid in weight loss, lessen insulin resistance, control blood sugar, lessen the signs of aging, boost energy levels, and MORE!
Either snag a traditional one online or get crafty and make your own, and get sprouting. You’ll be enjoying nutrient-loaded little sprouts in no time.
If you’ve ever used a chia pet or simply gotten chia seeds wet, you may have noticed something unique that occurs with chia seeds that isn’t the case with other seeds. Due to the soluble fiber in chia seeds, when they are wet, they swell and appear to have a gel-like coating. They are satisfying and filling because their outer shell can absorb more liquid than ten times its weight.