Chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water. Using the right ratio of seeds to liquid is important for best therapy for digestion and blood sugar stabilization. Letting the seeds absorb water to become fully hydrated prevents digestive discomfort and allows the phytic acid in the seeds to fully break down, aiding absorption of minerals.
Using too much liquid dilutes the fiber and nutrient density, reducing the feeling of fullness and the potential blood sugar stabilization benefits. Too little liquid results in a thick paste that may block your digestive tract.
Chia Seed Recipe Helpers
The easiest way to us Chia seeds is to stir them into water in a large glass, and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours to gel and thicken. Then spoon out a tablespoon or more to eat or use your recipes.
1 to 2 tablespoons of chia seeds per 8 to 16 ounces (1 – 2 cups) of water. This proportion allows the seeds to fully absorb the liquid and form a gel, which is essential for maximizing digestive benefits
You can make this loose Chia gelatin ahead and store in refrigerator for daily use. It will stay freshest for about 48 hours.
Take 1-3 tablespoonsful of Chia gelatin a day eaten straight by the spoonful, or add to foods and recipes.
- Salad Dressing: Add a tablespoon of Chia to any salad dressing, mix, let sit 10 minutes, then stir well. Chia adds body to your homemade salad dressings instead of using additives like guar gum.
- Soups: Add Chia gel by the spoonful to any soup at the end of cooking for body and added nutrition. Omega 3 delicious richness!
Chia Seed Recipes
Chia Fresca: Mexican Lemonade or Limeade
10 oz. pure water
2 Tablespoons of Chia seeds
Let stand to gel and hydrate fully. Then add:
Juice of one lemon or lime
Sweeten with a bit of maple syrup, real stevia leaf
Stir again, and drink!
Chia Banana Pudding
1 banana
1/4 cup of Chia seed gel
1 cup of almond milk or coconut milk
Optional: 1 tablespoons cocoa powder
Mush the banana, add chia seeds and almond or coconut milk. Add optional cocoa powder. Refrigerator for a thick cool pudding. You can sprinkle with cinnamon.
Delicious Quick Cereal for One Person
2 Tablespoons Chia seed gel
4 oz raw dairy milk, or almond milk, or coconut milk
Berries or chopped banana, apple or papaya
Optional: Sweeten with chopped pitted dates, maple syrup, honey
Optional: Add 1 Tablespoons Hemp Hearts or ground almonds or coconut flakes
Stir Chia gel into milk, add sweetener and fruit. Stir and enjoy!
For another great recipe, try our Fancy Apple Pie Chia Pudding.