Small but mighty, chia seeds are packed with nutrients that benefit everything from your brain to your heart. A new study published in the open-access journal Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators has highlighted the power of these tiny ingredients to help cardiovascular health, showing how daily consumption can positively impact key health markers.

Let’s break down the details of this recent study and explore the ins and outs of these nutrient-dense seeds to learn what they can do for you.

What are chia seeds?

Perhaps you’ve noticed chia seed pudding popping up at cafes and on brunch menus, or seen chia-infused water trending across social media. But what exactly are these small morsels?

Chia seeds are tiny, edible seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica. They’re usually either black or white, and often have mottled grey spots when you look at them up close. Despite their small size, they are loaded with macro and micronutrients. 

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Chia seeds expand and develop a gel-like texture when they’ve been soaked in liquid. For this reason, it’s usually best to soak them well before you consume chia seeds, to avoid any risk of them getting expanding in your esophagus. If you do consume raw chia seeds, it’s recommended to only sprinkle a small amount on another food like a salad or smoothie bowl. Do not consume plain spoonfuls of raw chia seeds. 

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