PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY
 

PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventShort Dated2 for €74 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouNatures AidBioglanGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesPE NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaTeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSpirulinaSuperfood PowdersGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaHeath & HeatherTwiningsMeridianOptimum NutritionNakdPhDGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAL-LysineGlutamineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchPE NutritionOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringHuelSiSHigh5Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDUSNEat WaterNatures AidSlimExpertApplied NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaNew NordicSolgarHeath & HeatherOptimum NutritionEthiqueDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietMuscle & Joint PainSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietJoints, Bones & MusclesSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Why you should add chia seeds to your diet

16 Sep 2021 • 3 min read

Chia seeds might be small, but they’re mighty.

If you’re looking for a super seed that packs a punch, look no further and learn about where chia seeds come from, their health benefits and how to supercharge your diet by adding them to your favourite foods and snacks.

What are chia seeds?

Chia seeds come from the flowering Salvia hispanica plant

The plant, which makes black and white seeds with a slightly nutty flavour, is found in Mexico and Guatemala.1

Over the last few years these little seeds have been gaining in popularity because they have excellent nutritional qualities:

  • They’re 100% gluten-free

They’re gluten-free and 100% natural chia seeds are one of the best known vegetarian sources of omega-3 fats.

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you need to make sure you’re consuming foods rich in omega-3 fats on a daily basis and may want to consider taking a supplement such as Together Natural Algae DHA Omega 3 Softgels as well.2

Your body needs omega-3 fats, for a healthy heart.  Find out how else omega-3 can benefit your health here.

  • They’re an excellent source of protein

Chia seeds are also an excellent source of protein which you need to eat more of if you want to build muscle mass.

They might be a vegan source of protein, but chia seeds can be enjoyed by anyone as their neutral flavour means that they’re not overpowering.

  • Chia seeds are rich in calcium

They’re rich in calcium, with 233 milligrams in a three-tablespoon serving, almost as much as the average class of milk (299 milligrams).3

Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth.

They’re a fantastic source of iron

They’re a good source of iron which helps transport oxygen around the body.4

They also contain magnesium which helps reduce tiredness as it turns the food you eat into energy and polyunsaturates which provide your body essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.5,6

  • They’re high in fibre

Chia seeds are high in fibre which is needed for a healthy digestive system.

They’re also full of phosphorous for normal function of cell membranes and contain potassium which helps to maintain normal blood pressure.7

Supercharge your diet with chia seeds

If you fancy giving these seeds a try, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s very easy to add them to your favourite meals and snacks.

Here are 3 suggestions:

  1. Dry chia seeds can be sprinkled on a salad
  2. Mix some into a yoghurt or vegan alternative
  3. Add to a glass of fruit juice so they soak up some of the juice but will still be slightly crunchy

6 ways to revolutionise your diet with chia seeds

Fancy experimenting with chia? Here are some recipes to try out! 

1. Make chia pudding with blueberries or dried goji berries

chia blueberry dessert

2

Soak in 230ml of almond milk or coconut milk.

3

After 20 minutes, your pudding will be ready to eat.

4

You might want to make it extra special by adding a handful of blueberries or some dried goji berries.

2. Add chia seeds to a banana smoothie

If you already enjoy making your own smoothies at home, simply add some Clever Chia Seeds to supercharge it.

Alternatively, try whipping up a delicious banana smoothie.

banana smoothie with chia seeds

1

Whisk 2 tablespoons of chia seeds into 120ml of almond milk.

2

Leave in your fridge for 15 minutes.

3

In a blender, add 240ml of almond milk to 1 large frozen banana (sliced).

4

Blend well before adding the chia seed mixture.

5

Blend until smooth and then pour into a tall glass. Great for breakfast or as a treat during the day.

3. Use chia seeds to create energy-filled porridge

Not only will this taste delicious, but it’ll give you an energy boost.

chia seed porridge with fresh fruit

1

Take a bowl of steaming hot porridge.

2

Top with some Naturya Chia Seeds, chopped dates and apricots.

4. Boost your trail mix with energy-filled chia seeds

It's easy to make yourself a healthy trail mix to snack on.The hard part will be rationing yourself so you don’t eat too much in one sitting.

chia seed and nut trail mix

1

Scatter 50g of mixed seeds, 50g dried cranberries and 25g of almonds on a baking tray.

2

Toss in 3 tablespoons of Organic Coconut Nectar.

3

Toast in your oven for 5 minutes. 

5. Add chia seeds to give your salad an extra crunch

Whether you tend to have a basic garden salad with lettuce, cucumber and cherry tomatoes or a Mediterranean salad with peppers, chickpeas and purple onion, adding in some chia seeds tastes great. 

avocado and apple salad with chia seeds

1

Prepare salad.

2

Just before serving, toss in some chia seeds to give your salad some extra crunch.

6. Use them as an egg substitute

Thanks to their ability to easily absorb water and form a glutinous gel, chia seeds can be used as a healthy substitute for fats and eggs in recipes.

They can also be used as a thickener in sauces, replacing the flour and as a breadcrumb coating when cooking spicy bean burgers and eggplant fries.

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to check out our recipe for chocolate & chia dessert. It’s so easy to make and tasty that it could quickly become a firm favourite in your household.

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Last updated: 16 September 2021

donia-hilal

Donia Hilal

Author

Nutritionist

Joined Holland & Barrett: January 2018

Bsc in Nutrition, Registered Associate Nutritionist and Certification in Pre and Post Natal Nutrition

Donia started her career as a freelance nutritionist, later she joined Nestle as their Market Nutritionist to help support their healthier product range, before joining the team at Holland & Barrett in January 2018.

Donia has over 6 years experience as a Nutritionist and also works with clients on a one to one basis to support their goals which include weight loss, prenatal and postnatal nutrition and children’s health.

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.