Oats With Amaranth, Chia Seeds and Blueberries Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should I add chia seeds before or after cooking oatmeal? ›

Cooking Tip

Add chia seeds prior to cooking for super thick oats. Combine oats, chia seeds, and liquid, then let sit for about 1-2 minutes until chia seeds have absorbed some of the liquid, and then cook. Ground flax seeds can be a substitute for chia seeds.

Why do you put chia seeds in overnight oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease.

Effectively, you get the same benefits. Oatmeal is proven to lower cholesterol and has 4 grams of fiber for a 1/2 cup of uncooked oats. Chia seeds- 5 grams of high quality protein per 2 tablespoons. 10 grams of fiber and a myriad of vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 fatty acids.

Use raw chia seeds and sprinkle them over muesli, yogurt or salads. As an added nutrient, chia seeds can be baked in bread or pastries. Cooking chia seeds destroys most of the important ingredients. However, roasting chia seeds can be done.

Another way to add chia seeds to your diet is to drink chia seed water. High-fiber foods can make you dehydrated, because they pull water from your tissues into your GI tract. Adding water to chia seeds helps you stay hydrated while you get the benefits of the nutrients in the seeds.

No, you don't. If you are serving more than a sprinkle or not mixing it through food, then yes, it is probably a very good idea to soak them so they are easy to swallow. Anything that can stick together and become claggy or hard to swallow should be avoided.

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

However, certain individuals may experience side effects if they eat large quantities of chia seeds, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and allergies. Too many chia seeds may also lead to digestive issues, and if someone overeats chia seeds, it could lead to weight gain.

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Medicines: Avoid taking chia seeds if you are taking medications like anticoagulants and antiplatelets (prevent blood clots), anti-hypertensive (treats high blood pressure), anti-cancer, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as chia seeds might interact with these medicines.

What is better than oatmeal for breakfast? ›

Brown rice is a highly nutritious whole grain that provides a hearty dose of fiber, protein, manganese, and selenium in each serving ( 11 ). You can use it to make brown rice breakfast porridge, a delicious and filling alternative to oatmeal.

Limited research in animals and humans has found that taking chia seeds daily can lead to greater weight loss and bone mineral content ( 14 , 24 ). That said, eating too many can cause some side effects, so start with a small dose, like 1 oz (28 g) daily, and make sure to drink plenty of water.

One of the most common side effects of consuming chia seeds in excessive amounts is digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. This is because the high fibre content in chia seeds can lead to stomach discomfort and digestive problems.

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.

The omega-3 fatty acids and caffeic acid in chia seeds may reduce inflammation in the gut. This can alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Chia seeds are also low in FODMAPs, making them a safe option for people with IBS.

Chia seeds do not require cooking, but grinding or blending them improves absorption by the body. You can add them to salads, dips, sweet bakes and breads. You can also buy chia oil, which is mild in flavour, and ideal used in dressings. Do not use for cooking as the chia loses its nutritional benefits.

Chia seeds are a great source of fibre. Consuming chia seeds with water in the morning helps in giving your digestive system a boost and improves bowel movement. Healthy digestion is a prerequisite to weight loss. The best time to eat chia seeds is when you wake up.

Typically, chia, soaked or not, seeds are added into the drink directly for added crunch, or they are blended first with water to create a gel-like substance. There is no better way here. Different people preferred both. Also, both are more fitting to certain situations.

Chia seeds are a great source of fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. Soak them overnight to make a chia pudding breakfast, or serve them in porridge, pancakes, jams and more.