Whole Grains: How To Add Chia Seeds To Your Baby’s Diet

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Chia is a superfood seed which derives from Salvia Hispanica, a desert plant natively grown in South America. These tiny seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch, with one ounce containing roughly 139 calories, four grams of protein, eleven grams of fiber, nine grams of fat, antioxidants and a healthy dose of calcium, manganese, and omega-3s. Unlike flax seeds, chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be easily absorbed by the body. Their mild, nutty flavour makes them an ideal versatile ingredient to add to foods or beverages.

As with adding any new ingredient to your baby’s diet, check with your pediatrician first before introducing chia to your baby’s food.

What are the benefits of eating chia seeds?*

Provides energy

Boosts strength

Improves endurance

Levels out blood sugar

Induces weight loss

Aids with intestinal regularity

Lowers cholesterol

Helps reduce acid reflux

How to incorporate chia seeds into recipes:

Add to yogurt, fruit purees, rice dishes, salads and salad dressings, etc.

Use as a substitute for eggs in vegan recipes by mixing with water (1 Tbsp chia seeds : 3 Tbsp warm water). Allow to sit until thickened and the chia eggs are similar in consistency to regular eggs.

Add to drinks and smoothies for a denser consistency.

Add a tablespoon or two to baked goods, such as muffins, breads, etc.

Sprinkle on cereals or mix into granola or energy bars.

Here are some nutritious, chia-inspired recipes to make for baby:

Blueberry Chia Jam Recipe

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Raspberry Chocolate Chia Pudding Parfait Recipe

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Coconut Chia Seed Muffins Recioe

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Banana Peach Chia Smoothie Recipe

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Chocolate Chia Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

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main image: Getty / m-chin

 Sources: * Healthy Eating, SF Gate, Authority Nutrition

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