Chia Seed Health Benefits and Simple Chia Seed Pudding Recipe (2024)

by Diane Hoffmaster

Have you ever looked a a chia seed pudding recipe and wondered why eat chia seeds at all? What chia seed health benefits are you missing out on by not buying these itty bitty little seeds? I’m always looking for creative ways to boost my family’s nutrition intake. I make tons of smoothies where I can add in flax seed oil. My baked goods are hiding things like chia seeds, wheat germ, and all sorts of other nutritious ingredients. I have recently been reading about chia seed health benefits. These tiny little seeds can really pack quite a bit of a nutritional punch when added to your diet. Chia is a flowering plant in the mint family and is commonly found in central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. Historians have indicated that the Aztecs knew all about chia seed health benefits and used it in their own diet centuries ago. So, what are these chia seed health benefits? Here are just a few reasons to add chia seeds to your family’s diet.

Chia Seed Health Benefits

Posts feature partner companies & may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Chia Seed Health Benefits and Simple Chia Seed Pudding Recipe (1)
  • Chia seeds contain up to 18% of your daily value of calcium per ounce, which is three times more than skim milk. This is a great alternative calcium source for people who do not eat dairy.
  • Chia seeds have more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon meaning they are great for heart health.
  • Chia seeds stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing down the rate of digestion. This is particularly important for people who have diabetes.
  • Chia seeds are high in fiber and help improve digestion. They also help fill you up. Chia seeds can absorb up to 10-12 times their weight in water, becoming gel-like and expanding in your stomach. This means you feel full longer and eat less. Always good for the waistline!
  • Chia seeds contain about 20% protein, a higher percentage than found in many other grains. They also contain a good balance of essential amino acids which are the building blocks to making protein in our own bodies.
  • Chia seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants and contain even more antioxidants than blueberries. Antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage molecules in cells and contribute to ageing and diseases like cancer
  • Chia seeds are high in iron, magnesium and many other minerals

Chia Seed Health Benefits and Simple Chia Seed Pudding Recipe (2)

If you are intrigued by these chia seed health benefits and want to start eating more of them, how do you add them into your diet? You can bake them into muffins, add them to smoothies, or put them in your morning oatmeal. One of the most popular ways to use chia seeds lately is in chia seed pudding. This is incredibly easy to make and requires no cooking at all. You can vary the flavor depending on your personal taste by just swapping out a few key ingredients. Here is a very simple chia seed pudding recipe to get you started (almost as delicious as lemon pudding!) (almost as delicious as lemon pudding!). Shop through my affiliate link for organic chia seeds on Amazon if you want to start eating more!

Chia Seed Health Benefits and Simple Chia Seed Pudding Recipe (3)

Basic Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Yield: 4

Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

This chia seed pudding recipe is a health dessert recipe that is loaded with fiber and is easy to make.

Prep Time8 hours

Total Time8 hours

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk, soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, etc
  • 1/2 cup Chia Seeds
  • 1/4 cup sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, etc)
  • 1/2 tsp flavoring (vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc)
  • fresh fruit/nuts for topping

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, add liquid, chia seeds, sweetener and flavor. Whisk together. Pour into small glass jars
  2. Refrigerate 4 hours to overnight
  3. Stir and top with fruit and nuts.
  4. Enjoy!

Looking for more chia seed recipes?

Try this Quinoa and Lavender Chocolate Bark Recipe

Chia Seed Health Benefits and Simple Chia Seed Pudding Recipe (6)

Diane Hoffmaster

Diane is a professional blogger and nationally certified pharmacy technician atGood Pill Pharmacy. She earned her BS in Microbiology at theUniversity of New Hampshire and has worked in cancer research, academics, and biotechnology. Concern over the growing incidence of human disease and the birth of her children led her to begin living a more natural life. She quickly realized that the information she was learning along the way could be beneficial to many others and started blogging and freelance writing to share this knowledge with others. Learn more about her HERE.

Chia Seed Health Benefits and Simple Chia Seed Pudding Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is Chia pudding actually good for you? ›

Overall, chia seeds and chia pudding make an excellent addition to a healthy and balanced diet. And if you want to make this a regular breakfast but don't have the time to make it, add our Chia Pots to your next allplants order for fruity and delicious puddings to kick off your days!

Is it OK to eat chia seed pudding everyday? ›

Chia seeds are highly nutritious, boast a long list of health benefits and can be a healthy dietary addition for most. However, moderation is key, as eating too many may cause side effects. To prevent this, start with 1 ounce (28 grams) daily and assess your tolerance before slowly increasing your intake.

What is the healthiest way to eat chia seeds? ›

Because they quickly swell after absorbing liquid, it is advised to eat chia seeds that have already been soaked in liquid or are served with a moist food, such as oatmeal or yogurt. Do not eat dry chia seeds by themselves.

What not to mix with chia seeds? ›

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

What happens to your gut if you eat chia pudding? ›

Chia seeds can absorb 10-12 times their weight in liquid, which is what makes chia pudding so filling. ”This keeps hunger at bay, meaning chia can be good for weight management,” says Soutter. Plus, soluble fibre lowers blood levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, feeds 'good' bacteria in your gut, and bulks up stools.

What are the side effects of chia seed pudding? ›

Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. Chia seeds are edible seeds that come from a plant belonging to the mint family, called Salvia hispanica.

Do chia seeds reduce belly fat? ›

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

What time of day is best to eat chia pudding? ›

You can consume chia seeds at any time of day, but they are especially beneficial in the morning, before a workout, or as a snack. Chia seed pudding: Soak chia seeds in water or milk for a few hours or overnight. Then, add your favorite flavors, such as fruit, nuts, or honey.

When should I eat chia seeds morning or night? ›

🥣If you're looking to lose weight, it's best to consume chia seeds in the morning. They are high in fibre, which keeps you feeling full for longer, reducing the chances of overeating throughout the day. Adding chia seeds to your breakfast smoothie or yoghurt bowl is a great way to start your day on a healthy note.

Do chia seeds clean your liver? ›

Chia seeds

"Chia seeds are rich in plant Omega 3 fats, called ALA. This particular type of Omega 3 fatty acid, like the DHA and EPA found in fatty fish, exerts liver-protective effects, reducing inflammation and supporting its natural detoxification processes," says Minchen.

What is the benefits of chia seeds for females? ›

They help in regulating the female hormones and make it easier for women to get pregnant. Chia seeds are also good sources of zinc, iron, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. All these have benefits for female fertility in the following ways: Producing healthy eggs and red blood cells.

Are chia seeds good or bad to liver? ›

Chia seeds are a fantastic liver-supportive food to add to your diet. They're rich in the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), antioxidants, and fiber, and have even been shown in studies to combat NAFLD.

Why you shouldn't eat chia seeds everyday? ›

Yes, excessive intake of chia seeds can lead to digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, bloating and stomach ache. Over a period of time excessive intake of fiber can worsen gut health. Thus, it is advised to take around 1 ½ tablespoon twice a day or around 20-25 grams along with an ample intake of water.

Can I put chia seeds in yogurt? ›

For raw chia seeds, you can soak chia seeds with warm water first and then use them or sprinkle a spoonful of chia seeds directly into yogurt, wait 15-20 minutes for the chia seeds to bloom and then use. Can be used with many other fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, mango, ... to make the dish more attractive.

What happens if I eat chia seeds everyday? ›

Because of their high fiber content, eating too many chia seeds may cause constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Chia seeds may also cause flare-ups with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease. Choking hazard. Dry chia seeds absorb water, which causes them to swell up and become gelatinous.

Can we eat chia pudding for weight loss? ›

Chia seed pudding is also an easy dessert to whip up. Low on calories, this can fix your cravings on days you want sugar-without being unhealthy. Oatmeal and chia seeds also can be used to make a delicious and energy-giving snack bar for weight loss.

How often should you eat chia pudding? ›

In terms of how much chia to eat each day, it's smart to stick to the 2-tablespoon serving size. You'll probably want to break this up throughout the day, adding a teaspoon or two to your smoothie, another teaspoon in your mid-morning yogurt, and the rest in recipes like chia pudding.

Is chia seed pudding weight loss? ›

Chia seeds are a nutritious pseudo grain that can be part of a healthy weight loss plan. But they're not a quick fix to drop a dress size. And if you eat too many, they may have the opposite effect. No single food is ever responsible for healthy weight loss.

Is chia pudding or oatmeal healthier? ›

Although chia seeds provide healthy protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, whole-grain oats are a heartier source of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy antioxidants, and are generally considered more filling.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edwin Metz

Last Updated:

Views: 6037

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edwin Metz

Birthday: 1997-04-16

Address: 51593 Leanne Light, Kuphalmouth, DE 50012-5183

Phone: +639107620957

Job: Corporate Banking Technician

Hobby: Reading, scrapbook, role-playing games, Fishing, Fishing, Scuba diving, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.