Chia seeds? In Coffee? Really?
Chia seeds and coffee seem like a strange combination most people wouldn’t even think about during their morning routine, yet a select few swear by it.
While this is an exciting combination, there’s got to be some merit in doing it.
We’ve got you covered if you’re curious about putting chia seeds in coffee. We’ve done the research and can confidently give you an in-depth rundown on whether or not you should do it.
Here’s everything you need to know about the distinctive duo of coffee and chia, such as taste, benefits, texture, and more.
Can You Put Chia Seeds in Your Morning Coffee?
Yes, you can put chia seeds in your coffee. Adding them to your morning brew has many health benefits with virtually no downside.
According to the USDA, one ounce of chia seeds contains roughly 138 calories and is a significant source of iron, fiber, protein, and other nutrients.
Additionally, they’re chock full of antioxidants making them an excellent supplement for your coffee and can potentially protect your body from disease.
What are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are from Salvia hispanica, a plant from parts of Mexico and Guatemala.
The edible seeds are widely considered a superfood due to their nutrient-dense bodies.
While some consider them a new health trend, they’ve been a valuable food item for centuries, as sources indicate they were a staple in the Aztec empire.
In modern times, chia seeds are commonly used as toppers for yogurts, smoothies, bread, bars, and more.
They were also the selling point of the infamous “chia pet” infomercial, which is, in fact, still around today.
What do Chia Seeds Taste Like?
Chia seeds are virtually tasteless when added to other foods, though they have a mild nutty flavor when eaten independently.
Since coffee has a robust flavor, you can expect not to taste the seeds. Instead, you’ll want to focus on their texture.
Chia Seed Texture
Chia seeds are dry, crunchy, and what you’d expect from a tiny seed.
When you soak them in water, they undergo a “bloom” effect, absorbing the liquid and developing a gel-like barrier around them.
The result is tiny, tasteless balls that are slightly chewy, soft, and have a similar texture to jello.
Why You Should Add Chia Seeds to Your Coffee: The Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are incredibly healthy and regarded as a superfood for their nutritional properties.
While they’re not a “perfect” solution that will immediately solve all physical problems, they can significantly improve your health over time.
Here are just some of the proven benefits of chia seeds:
Rich In Vitamins, Minerals, and More
Chia seeds contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, copper, and other essential minerals.
These minerals play vital roles in your body’s functions, and adding them to your daily food regime is a fantastic way to balance your diet.
Furthermore, the seeds also contain many vitamins A, B1, B3, and essential omega-3 fatty acids.
These nutrients work wonders for your immune system, digestion, and heart health.
High in Fiber
Like flax seeds, chia seeds are exceedingly high in high-quality fiber, which helps with digestion and gut health.
Studies also indicate that dietary fiber can prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol.
Antioxidants Galore
Research finds that chia seeds are a high source of antioxidants.
If you’re not current on antioxidants, all you need to know is that they’re essential for preventing illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases.
Helps With Weight Loss
Eating them alone won’t get the pounds off, but they can help when incorporated into your diet.
Fiber and protein are crucial in weight loss since fiber can help control weight while protein keeps your body full longer.
Since chia seeds are packed with vitamins and minerals, they can also serve as dietary supplements when you may not be eating as much.
Bone and Heart Health
As mentioned, chia seeds are good for your heart as they contain plenty of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Likewise, their richness of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium can support bone health and increase density.
Higher bone density means you’re much less likely to break a bone when falling and could fight back pain.
How to Add Chia Seeds to Coffee
The best way to add chia seeds to coffee is by first letting them soak in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour or until they’ve developed a transparent bubble around them.
Afterward, throw them into iced coffee with cream and sugar, then enjoy.
Alternatively, you can add them to hot coffee without sacrificing health benefits, but people prefer the texture to cold coffee.
How Much Chia Seeds for One Cup of Coffee?
While this is mainly based on your preference, one tablespoon of chia seeds for every 8oz of coffee (the standard cup size) is a good amount to go with.
Can You Add Chia Seeds to Your Coffee Every Day?
Yes, you can add chia seeds to your coffee every day. This is the most optimal way to reap the benefits of the superfood and maximize its potential.
Now, you shouldn’t scarf them down like no tomorrow because excess fiber can cause problems such as bloating and constipation.
One or two tablespoons a day should suffice; everything is better in moderation.
Conclusion – Chia Seeds in Coffee? Yes Please!
Chia seeds and coffee are an unlikely yet dynamic duo that gets you up in the morning and works wonders for your health.
It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to shave off a little belly fat or looking to up your cardiovascular health tenfold- there’s something everyone can benefit from when eating chia seeds.
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself some chia seeds and add them to your coffee. Both you and your body will thank you later down the line.