The word ‘chia’ might bring back memories of your favorite TV infomercial about a special pet that grows green fur, but there’s a lot more to chia than that. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, chia belongs to the mint family, and its seeds have been experiencing a surge in popularity because of their mega-good-for-you qualities.

What’s so great about them?

Chia seeds have become superstars in the food world because they deliver a lot of nutrition in their tiny packages. They’re the richest plant source of healthy omega-3 fats, and they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants. That means they provide lots of energy, and could bring several other benefits including reduced joint pain and protection against diabetes and heart disease.

How to enjoy chia seeds

Chia seeds are easy to add to your diet because they don’t have much of a flavor. You can sprinkle them on salads or oatmeal, add them to your smoothies, or soak them until they become jelly-like. People often opt for the soaking method for making yummy and nutritious treats like chocolate chia pudding.

Try this easy chia recipe!

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Find chia seeds at your favorite healthy grocery store!

Ingredients:
– 1 ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
– ¼ cup chia seeds
– 1 tbsp cocoa powder
– 1 tbsp maple syrup

Method:
Whisk everything together in a bowl and put it in the fridge overnight to thicken. Add more almond milk to get your desired consistency. Enjoy!