Chia Seeds: Humble but Mighty

A one-ounce serving of chia seeds (about 2 tablespoons) offers 5 grams of plant protein and 10 grams of fiber. You’ll also get a dose of zinc and a good source of iron, which is needed to carry oxygen through the body. Chia seeds are also loaded with calcium, a mineral that promotes strong bones and one that nearly 40% of Americans don’t get enough of. To top it off, chia seeds contain an essential type of fat: omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to chia seed nutrition. In addition to essential fats, protein, fiber, and minerals –– chia seeds also bring phytochemicals to your table (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, myricetin, kaempferol, and quercetin to be exact). These compounds are natural antioxidants that help scavenge free radicals and keep cells healthy.

Science doesn’t lie: Chia seeds have health benefits. Also known as Salvia Hispanica L, chia seeds help improve blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and hunger management. Research also finds ALA, the omega-3 fatty acid found in chia, promotes both heart health and brain health.

You can use good-for-you chia seeds as a topping for smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal –– or whip up an easy chia pudding. Just combine 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with half a cup of milk of your choice and let it sit overnight in the fridge. Even easier: Daily Harvest Chia Bowls, which combine nutritious chia with fruit, seeds, and other tasty add-ins.

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Unless otherwise noted, nutrition information is sourced from USDA FoodData Central and reflects the reference amount customarily consumed. These are standardized servings and not necessarily the amount present in the highlighted Daily Harvest recipes. Nutrition information for Daily Harvest products can be found on packages and under "Nutrition Facts" for each product at "dailyharvest.com". Vitamin and mineral functions are sourced from Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center.