Chia Seed Peanut Butter Superfood Cookies {gluten free recipe} (2024)

FAQs

How to use chia seeds in gluten-free baking? ›

Baking tips for using chia flour in gluten-free baking: Sift chia seed flour before using, use smaller pans when baking with chia seed flour and increase baking time by about 5 percent. For example, if a recipe calls for a 60-minute baking time, increase the time by about 3 minutes for better results.

Perhaps you've heard of the healthy and flavorful combination that is peanut butter and chia seeds. Toss it over oatmeal or in a smoothie, and you'll have a hearty superfood packed full of protein.

Caffeic acid, an antioxidant found in chia seeds, can help to fight inflammation in the body. Eating chia seeds regularly may also help to reduce inflammatory markers, which often indicate the presence of an inflammatory disease. A 1-ounce serving of chia seeds has 39% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber.

When consumed, chia seed expands and forms a gel in the stomach and thus prolonging the process of turning carbohydrates into sugars. This results in a more gradual release of energy within the body making us feel full for longer.

Chia seeds can be eaten raw or added to recipes. Because the coating of chia seeds soaks up water rapidly, soaking chia seeds in milk or water for a few hours (or overnight) can give the seeds a tapioca pudding-like texture and makes them a great binder to hold baked goods together, like these Coconut-Chia Oat Crisps.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Limited research in animals and humans has found that taking chia seeds daily can lead to greater weight loss and bone mineral content ( 14 , 24 ). That said, eating too many can cause some side effects, so start with a small dose, like 1 oz (28 g) daily, and make sure to drink plenty of water.

The insoluble fibre and protein present in them help you feel satisfied and full. As per USDA data, a 100-gram serving of chia seeds can fulfil up to 34% of the daily fibre intake, thus facilitating the reduction of belly fat.

Chia seed consumption may offer health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving digestive health. However, certain individuals may experience side effects if they eat large quantities of chia seeds, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and allergies.

Instead, it absorbs fluids and helps create bulky, soft stool. So yes, chia seeds have the right kind of fiber to loosen your poop and give you some constipation relief. “Chia seeds haven't been studied for constipation,” Czerwony notes, “but due to their fiber content, they are hypothesized to have a laxative effect.”

Do chia seeds clean your liver? ›

* Omega-3 rich foods – Omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, can help reduce inflammation in the liver and improve liver function.

Short chain fatty acids produced by this type of fibre have numerous positive health effects. Chia seeds are a suitable form of fibre for persons with leaky gut syndrome or IBS because they produce a gel-like substance in the gut that calms and repairs the intestinal lining.

Chia seeds are very rich in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They have been linked to improvement in risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, as well as benefits for digestion and gut health.

If you're taking medication for hypertension or diabetes, talk to your doctor before adding chia seeds to your diet, as they may affect your blood pressure and blood sugar. In addition, if you have preexisting GI issues, you may also want to use caution when adding fiber-rich foods, like chia seeds, into your diet.

To replace one egg, mix 1 Tbsp. Chia Seed with 3 Tbsp. water and let sit for several minutes before adding to your recipe. Ground Chia works well as a binder in baked goods or a thickener for sauces, where a smooth texture is desired.

I use ground chia seed as 25% or less of my binder for best results. Finely ground, I either whisk it into the liquids or mix it with the flour. Some recipes call for mixing it with boiling water before adding it to a recipe, but I have found no benefit to this method.

It's easier than you might think to add chia seeds into your meals. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and because they ”taste of pretty much nothing”, they won't affect food's flavour, says Vickers.

Chia is wonderful for gluten free baking, because it is an excellent binder and thickener. It can be used in many recipes that call for ground flax seed, but it's a good idea to use 2/3 as much because it is a more powerful binder.