Chia seeds don't contain any gluten. Chia seed flour and powder are often used in gluten-free flour mixes as they are great for baking. The high nutritional value of this food makes it a good addition to any recipe.


Chia Seeds: Protein Source for Vegans

A single ounce of chia seeds contains almost 4.5 gram of protein. In fact, the seeds are better in this role than most cereals, so bodybuilders, vegans, and other people who want to boost their protein intake can consider switching their morning cereal for organic chia seeds or at least adding a few spoonfuls of them to the bowl.

Vegans can appreciate raw chia seeds not only for protein but also for their high content of calcium. This mineral is hard to come by in most diets, so even meat-eaters can benefit from a chia snack.

There is a lot of talk about the benefits of eating chia seeds for weight management. The chia seeds calories count is relatively low and they contain a lot of fiber and protein. This means that the seeds help you feel satiated without overburdening your meal plan with excess calories. Therefore, they can be incorporated into a well-balanced weight management meal plan.


Chia Seeds: Nutrition Data

To say that chia seeds nutrition value is high is a gross understatement. It's so high, the seeds made it to the superfoods list. Note that it's considering the fact that they don't really have any vitamins. However, they definitely make up for this in the large doses of essential minerals.

Dried chia seeds give you varied quantities of:

• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Copper
• Zinc
• Manganese

An ounce of organic chia seeds contains about 130 calories, and half of them come from carbs and protein. This food is extremely good for digestion and can be included in weight management plans. Note that chia seeds don't contain sugar.


What to Do with Chia Seeds

Organic chia seeds are a fantastic culinary ingredient that you can enjoy in many ways. The easiest and one of the most popular ways is to add them to your smoothie.

You can eat chia seeds raw. In fact, there is no need to cook them at all, so making a chia seed pudding is the best way to enjoy them. To do this, take ¼ cup of seeds and mix them with 1 cup of any liquid. Leave for 15-30 minutes for the seeds to 'gel out' and the gel to set. You can use nut milk, juice, or any other drink to give your chia pudding some flavor.

Other popular chia seeds recipes include salads, cereal, and stir-fries. You can either mix chia seeds with different grains and seeds when cooking or use them on their own.

Don't forget about using organic chia seeds in baking. You can add them to the dough or use chia seed flour mixing it with other types of flour. These seeds also go well as topping for breads and buns.

Due to their special gel, soaked chia seeds are a great 'thickener' for gravies, sauces, and soups.

Chia seeds, organic or otherwise, contain a large amount of omega 3 essential fatty acids. An ounce of chia seeds contains almost 5000 mg omega 3 fatty acids as well as 1620 mg omega 6.

Do Chia Seeds Have Caffeine

Chia seeds do not contain caffeine as such. However, their mildly-stimulating effects are well known.

Unlike caffeine and other similar stimulants, chia seeds provide you with a boost of 'good' energy that comes from nutrients. The effect may not be as potent as that of a cup of espresso in the morning, but it's revitalizing enough to be noticed when you use a chia smoothie as a midday 'pick me up'.

How to Store Chia Seeds

Chia Seeds from Food to Live are a premium-quality product that can last for years if stored correctly. Whole seeds can keep for up to 2 years, but you must understand that milled chia seeds aren't as long-lasting. The meal will expire within a month max and organic chia seed gel is only good for 2 hours.

Storing all these products in the fridge will extend their shelf life greatly. The seeds can last there for 5 years or more and the meal for a year if you provide it's perfectly dry before refrigerating the product. It's said that chia seed gel can last for over 2 weeks in the fridge. However, it loses a lot of its nutritional benefits so it's really best to eat it fresh.

To maximize the shelf life of your Food To Live Chia Seeds keep them in an airtight container. If you buy chia seeds bulk, you'll need to be careful when handling them as you must prevent moisture getting to the product when you reopen the container.