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

FAQs

Is it okay to cook chia seeds with oatmeal? ›

Absolutely! Simply mix all the ingredients, then let them sit in the fridge overnight and enjoy the next morning! How much chia seeds should I add to oatmeal? In this recipe, I recommend adding 1 tablespoon of chia seeds for every ½ cup of oats!

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. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

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.

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.

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.

For one serving you will need: 1/2 cup of rolled oats. 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. 1 cup of extra creamy oat milk or vanilla flavored nut/plant milk.

The best time to drink chia seed water depends on your personal preferences. Drinking it in the afternoon may help prevent you from overeating later in the day, and drinking it in the evening could help reduce your appetite before bed.

Side Effects of Eating Too Many Chia Seeds

"Some people may experience GI and digestive issues from eating too many chia seeds. This is likely because they're an excellent source of fiber," explains Schlichter. "Also, these symptoms may be exacerbated if you're not drinking enough water," she says.

The Bottom Line

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.

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.

Do chia seeds clear your gut? ›

Chia seeds can function as a prebiotic, assisting your stomach in producing the beneficial bacteria necessary to maintain a healthy digestive system. As chia seeds become a sticky gel-like substance when soaked in water, they can also serve as a digestive system cleanser.

Chia and flax seeds are both very nutritious. Both also offer similar benefits for heart health, blood sugar levels, and digestion. However, flax seeds appear to have a slight advantage, especially when it comes to reducing hunger and appetite and lowering the risk of certain cancers.

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.

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.

Experts have issued a warning about a common mistake some people make when eating chia seeds. The antioxidant-rich superfood is known to improve digestion and ease constipation – but, if consumed without liquid, can form “a concrete-like mass in your digestive tract”, which can lead to them getting stuck.

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.

If you're aiming for a healthy, easily digestible snack, roasted seeds may be the way to go. They offer a crunchier texture and can be gentler on the digestive system. On the other hand, if you prioritize maximizing the nutritional benefits, raw chia seeds are a popular and excellent choice.

Yes, you can use chia seeds in hot recipes like pudding, cakes, muffins, or sauce. However, like any seeds or nuts, their nutritional profile decreases when heated. This is because chia seeds are mostly made of fatty acids that degrade at high temperatures between 280°F and 320°F (140°C -160°C).

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.