Is chia seeds a superfood?
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Chia seeds are small seeds, but packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. It is not without reason that many people call chia seeds a superfood. But what exactly is chia seed, where does it come from and how can you use it? And does it really help you lose weight?
What is it?
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Chia seeds come from Central and Southern Mexico and Guatemala. Even before Columbus discovered America it was cultivated by the Aztecs. It is still widely used in these countries. Chia seeds are also on the rise in the Netherlands and more and more people are eating it. The seed comes from the Mexican mint plant Chia. The flowers of this plant produce the tiny seeds.
Health Benefits
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Chia seeds are rich in beneficial nutrients. It contains proteins, antioxidants, calcium, potassium, iron, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids and boron. The seed is therefore believed to have many health benefits. It lowers the risk of bone loss, is good for heart and blood vessels, improves bowel movements and slows down the aging process.
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11 minMain dishpeanut oil, tofu stir-fry cubes finely seasoned, stir fry sauce sweet and sour, thick noodles, carrot julienne, beetroot julienne, yellow bell pepper, watercress,rainbow salad with tofu -
45 minMain dishRed cabbage, mild olive oil, quinoa plus, forest outing, lemon, sesame oil, soy sauce less salt, Bio Today tahini white in pot, tap water,grilled red cabbage with quinoa salad -
30 minDessertBrie, Roquefort, port salut, gruyere, Camembert, walnut, garlic, thyme, honey, grape, baguette, Red onion, red grape, raisins, Red wine, Red wine vinegar, Brown sugar,generous cheese plate with onion marmalade -
30 minDessertFull Milk, whipped cream, macaroon, custard powder, vanilla sugar, sugar, protein, amaretto, almond liqueur, basic recipe cooking pears,macaroon pastry with casserole
What's in 100 grams of chia?
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Proteins: 20.7 g Fat: 32.8 g Carbohydrates: 41.8g (of which fiber 41.2g) Calcium: 714 mg Iron: 16.4 mg Niacin (Vitamin B3): 613 mg Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 0.18 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.04 mg (Source: Nutritional Science Research Institute)
Slimming
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Chia seeds would also help if you want to lose weight. By using them in your diet, you will feel satisfied faster. This is because they absorb a lot of water. In addition, they are packed with fiber, which ensures a satiated feeling. And they contain many antioxidants that ensure that blood sugar levels are maintained. Yet so far no scientific research has been able to show that chia seeds really help with weight loss.
How can you use them?
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You can of course try anything. They can be added to a salad or soup, but also to yogurt or on a peanut butter sandwich. Or you soak them in a glass of water. In addition, the seeds are suitable for making a 100 percent natural energy drink. There are many athletes who do this for an extra energy boost.
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5 minDrink without alcoholbananas, cool fresh apple-pear raspberry juice, Soy drink vanilla,soy fruit shake -
20 minMain dishsauerkraut, sticking potato, liquid baking product, half-to-half minced, Spice meatballs, pineapple, olive oil, liquid baking product,gratin sauerkraut dish with minced meat -
40 minMain dishlemongrass, fresh ginger, Red peppers, onions, tomato cubes, fresh cod fillet, coriander, oil, ground turmeric (koenjit), coconut milk, salt,fish in creamy coconut sauce -
15 minSide dishsweet potato, soft goat cheese, egg, spring / forest onion,stuffed sweet potato with egg
Side Effects
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Chia seeds are not suitable for everyone. The seed has a blood-thinning effect and people on antihypertensive or diuretic medications should definitely not take it. Also people with low blood pressure should not take chia seeds. Other side effects of chia seeds include bloating, flatulence and diarrhea. In some cases, chia seeds can cause an allergic reaction.