Chia has evolved from being a household plant to being a superfood craze, with almost everyone having nice words for it.
A mint-related plant that naturally grows in the deserts of Mexico, chia is often compared to flax seeds because they are similar in appearance, size and nutritional content. Nevertheless, chia seeds have some edge to flax seeds because they don’t have to be ground for the optimum nutritional benefit and don’t get easily sour.
Chia seeds are nutritionally strong and easily digestible. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, iron, calcium, manganese, and sugar too. This healthy superfood can serve as flavor to food while providing healthy nutrition.
Chia seeds can be raw or soaked in water. Soaking chia seeds improves the seed-protective enzyme inhibitors, facilitating easy absorption of the seeds’ nutrients into the body.
If you are concerned about the health of your children and only want to have healthy and nutritious food, then, you may consider chia seeds for incorporation in your children’s food. However, it may not be really necessary to give your child these seeds so it is really best to always consult your child’s pediatrician for sound advice before feeding chia to your kids.
How Does a Child Break Down Chia Seeds?
Sure. Digesting chia seeds can be difficult for babies and children, but it becomes easier to digest chia seeds once a baby’s digestion system is established. Chia seeds can be fed in small portions to a child. You can start by adding to their meals one or two teaspoons of seeds. It can then be increased slowly after a period of time.
How Chia Seeds Can Be Healthy For Your Children?
Again, please seek a pediatrician’s advice before giving chia to your kids. Generally, chia seeds are fantastic not only for adults but also for babies eight months of age or older.
- Great for bones and teeth: chia seeds are touted to have plenty of calcium than numerous dairy products. They also consist of protein, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and the like that are vital for a kid’s healthy bone and teeth development.
- Best for the heart: Omega-3 fatty acid is essential to the heart because it reduces cholesterol and aids the artery to function smoothly. Fish are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds, however, are the best source of omega-3 fatty acids for vegetarians and vegans.
- Loaded with Protein: It has been shown that a high-protein diet has helped regulate appetite, increased muscle recovery, and even midnight snacks. Chia seeds are 14% more protein than several plants.
- Immunity Booster: Chia seeds are full of antioxidants that help the body combat cancer-like diseases and minimize free radicals damage.
Read also: “Healthy Vegetable Smoothie Recipe”
- Aids in Food Digestion: Since chia seeds are rich in fiber, it encourages the production of good bacteria in the intestine, assists in suppressing the level of cholesterol, and control bowel movement. Remember, a balanced digestive system maintains weight control.
- Weight management: Chia seed fibers store a large amount of water. For a long time, it makes children feel full and keeps them from munching on or eating junk food.
- Blood sugar regulator: Chia seeds help regulate and reduce blood insulin levels. These also lower blood pressure, thereby helping to regulate diabetes for type 2.
- Can help promote good skin and hair: nutrients, proteins, and fats in chia seeds together bring healthy hair, skin, and nails to your children and also for you, mothers.
- Power Booster: Study says chia seeds increase energy levels during workouts as it acts as a sports drink except for the extra sugar.
Are chia seeds good for children?
Like any other food item, there may be some side effects of the excessive or unmonitored intake of chia seeds. But don’t worry, by taking some steps when eating the seeds, the side effects can be reversed. Here are the possible side effects worthy to note.
1. Causes intestinal gas:
When large quantities of chia seeds are consumed, intestinal gas is said to be caused. This can add to your child’s embarrassing situations. If flatulence is a problem for your child, you could reduce the number of chia seeds in kids’ meals.
2. Lowers blood pressure:
The omega-3 fatty acids in chia seeds could result in the thinning of blood and might decrease blood pressure. That’s why it is highly recommended to see your doctor for the appropriate amount of chia to be given to your child.
3. Triggers allergy:
There are very few cases of allergy from chia seeds. But, in the event, your child develops the watery eyes as well as rashes, visit your medical provider and do not feed him with chia seeds after such time the doctor will say so.
Best chia drinks preparation for You and your kids
1. Smoothie Blends
Kids love smoothies! And adults do too. But since kids are having the best of the taste of chia make eating it very fun. Some children do not eat vegetables, to remedy this put ground chia seeds in a smoothie with added favorite fruits. Just add the chia seeds to the blender without your kids knowing or noticing that they are eating the seeds. We understand how children can be a bit fussy and annoying when it comes to food.
Mango Smoothie With Chia Seeds:
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 banana
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 ½ cups ice cubes
- 1 cup chopped mangoes
- ⅛ cup unsweetened coconut
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
- Get all ingredients in a blender until you get a smooth consistency.
- You can add mango if desired.
- Best to serve when still cold to your children.
Chia seeds provide huge amount of benefits to the body. They can be used in many recipes as an optional ingredient.
2. Chocolate Chia Milk Shake
This recipe of super seed chia can make a really great snack or a clever addition to breakfast for kids and adults alike, which they will both love. For this, you will need the following:
- 500ml / 2 cups milk
- 100g / 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 1 banana
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Mix all ingredients in a blender. Blend together until smooth and serve cold for kids.
3. Detox Chia Water
For this recipe, simply add a tablespoon or two of chia seeds to any beverage you fancy. Blend them in and wait 10-15 minutes until the chia seeds swell and become rounder, looking like a gelatinous coating. Because of their soluble fiber content, chia seeds can grow up to 3 times their length! This allows you to stay completely full for a long time. So, for super busy individuals who don’t have the luxury of time to still cook daily chia pudding or smoothie bowls, this is a simple solution for you.
- Chia seeds, water + lemon
- Chia seeds, coconut water
- Chia seeds + coffee
- Chia seeds + green tea
4. Healthy Chia Seed Detox Drink for Mothers
You will need:
- 1 or 2 tbsp soaked chia seeds
- 2 cups of organic juice
Put soaked chia seeds first in a bottle or water jug then the organic juice. Shake it. Drink.
Takeaway
Chia seeds definitely can make a healthy breakfast, snacks or dessert for toddlers and preschoolers and even for a baby 8-month old above. But before giving your child chia seeds, it is best to consult first your child’s pediatrician.
Read also:
- Healthy Vegetable Smoothie Recipe
- Family Bonding 101: Weekday Dinner Ideas For Kids
- Easy, And Healthy Food Recipes for Kids To Try at Home
