Chia Seeds – Does The Superfood Live Up To Its Promise?

Especially in the cold season, our body needs healthy substances. But spend a lot of money on it? It doesn’t have to be! It’s also cheaper – and healthier at the same time!

They are small, black, and should not be missing in any hipster smoothie or bowl: chia seeds. These seeds, which are native to South America, are considered a so-called superfood. They should prevent diseases and strengthen our immune systems. In a way, the name already promises this, because Chia means strength, and we associate strength with health. Even the Maya and Aztecs swore by the crumbly little balls.

How awesome is the superfood?

Let’s be honest: Chia seeds taste like nothing. Soaked in water for hours, they – surprise – still taste like nothing, just with goo around them. This is because chia seeds form a gel layer around their core as soon as they come into contact with water.

Many chia seed fans swear that this swelling effect helps with weight loss, as it creates a feeling of satiety. However, there is no scientific evidence for this. So far it is only known that chia seeds have a high protein content. In addition, they contain five times as much calcium as milk and you should not consume more than 15 g of chia seeds per day. This is because the superfood has only been available on the European market for a short time and it has hardly been tested for possible side effects, allergies, or other intolerances. This is intended to protect the consumer from possible damage.

If you are about to have an operation, you should avoid chia seeds. The reason: Chia seeds may have a blood-thinning effect. Allergies or drug interactions are also possible.

Does it always have to be chia?

Chia seeds are considered a superfood, but there is a local counterpart that can easily compete with the black grain: good old flaxseed. So superfood is also growing here! And that doesn’t have to hide behind the competition from abroad.

Chia seeds

After all, these exotic species contain 400 mg of valuable potassium. This food offers only 18.5 g of omega-3 fatty acids. Price: from 2 euros/100 g.

Linseed

They contain 813 mg of blood pressure-lowering potassium. In addition, around 21 g of omega 3, reduces heart disease. Price: from 0.35 euros/100 g.