Chia seeds have been used for centuries for their numerous health benefits. These tiny black and white seeds are packed with nutrients and are a great source of fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
One of the ways to enjoy the benefits of chia seeds is by making chia seed tea, which is a delicious and healthy drink that is easy to prepare. Chia seed tea is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold and is perfect for any time of day.
In this drink, chia seeds are mixed with water or other liquids, such as tea or fruit juice, and left to soak for a few minutes. The result is a drink with a slightly gelatinous texture that is loaded with nutrients and flavor.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of chia seed tea and how to prepare it at home.
Contents
- What are Chia Seeds?
- What is Chia Seed Tea?
- How to Make Chia Seed Tea
- Chia Seed Tea Benefits
- Can I Just Put Chia Seeds in Tea?
- Chia Seed Tea Recipe
What are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are little seeds with a nutty flavor that are native to Central and South America. They are a species of blooming plant in the mint family that has been a staple item in Aztec and Mayan diets for generations. (Learn more at The Chia Seeds Guide)
Chia seeds are extremely healthy, with high levels of fiber, plant-based protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. They taste mild and nutty, comparable to poppy seeds. However, when placed in other foods or drinks, they generally have no flavor at all, and just absorb the flavor of what they are added to. (See Chia Seeds Taste for more)
This means you can add them to many foods or drinks without changing the flavors, but the benefit is that you will increase the healthiness of the food.
What is Chia Seed Tea?
One of those drinks you can easily add chia seeds to is tea, which can make a healthy chia seed sea tea.
Chia seed tea is a tea that has these healthy chia seeds added to it. They begin to absorb the liquid and make clumps, yet it is still smooth enough to be drunk from a cup. (Unlike a chia seed gel, which is too thick to drink) Any kind of tea can be used to make chia seed tea, including black or green tea. It can also be consumed either hot or cold, depending on preference.
Here is a quick way to make chia seed tea:
How to Make Chia Seed Tea
There are numerous ways to drink chia seeds, as seen in How to Drink Chia Seeds. One way to enjoy chia seeds is by making chia seed tea. (See Chia Seed Tea Recipes)
To make chia seed tea, simply add a tablespoon of chia seeds to a cup of hot water and let them steep for 5-10 minutes. The seeds will expand and become gelatinous, giving the tea a thick, creamy texture. You can also add honey, lemon, or other flavorings to the tea to give it more flavor.
Chia Seed Tea Benefits
Chia seed tea is a healthy and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold. It is a good source of hydration and can help to promote regularity and digestion. It is also a good source of essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for those who are looking to improve their overall health and wellness.
This tea is said to have several potential health benefits, including:
- Weight loss: Chia seeds are high in fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and may support weight loss.
- Improved digestion: The fiber in chia seeds can help to improve digestive health and regularity.
- Heart health: Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to support heart health.
- Blood sugar control: The high fiber and protein content of chia seeds may help to stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Enhanced hydration: Chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, making them a good source of hydration.
Overall, drinking chia seed tea may provide a range of potential health benefits. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of chia seed tea on human health.
Can I Just Put Chia Seeds in Tea?
Yes, you can put chia seeds in tea. Chia seeds are often added to tea to add nutrition and thickness to the drink.
To add chia seeds to tea, simply sprinkle a small amount of chia seeds into your cup of tea and stir to combine. The chia seeds will expand and form a gel-like consistency, giving your tea a thicker texture.
You can also make chia seed tea by soaking the seeds in water and allowing them to expand before adding tea. This method will give you a more pronounced chia seed flavor and texture in your tea.
Experiment with different amounts and techniques to find the combination that you like best.
Chia Seed Tea Recipe
If you are looking to make some chia seed tea, here is a recipe:
Chia Seed Tea
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 cups water
- 2 tea bags Can be green tea, black tea or hibiscus
- optional sweetner of choice such as honey or maple syrup Optional. Sweeten to taste
Instructions
- Place the chia seeds in a jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid.1/4 cup chia seeds
- Bring the water to a boil and then remove from heat.2 cups water
- Add the tea bags to the hot water and let them steep for 3-5 minutes.2 tea bags
- Remove the tea bags and pour the tea over the chia seeds.
- Stir the mixture well to combine, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or until the chia seeds have absorbed the water and formed a gel-like consistency.
- Add a sweetener, if desired, and stir to combine.optional sweetner of choice such as honey or maple syrup
- Serve the chia seed tea over ice or refrigerate until chilled, and enjoy!
Notes
Lance has been passionate about the plant-based diet and we have been following a whole food plant-based diet for over 5 years. We focus on health, natural healing, weight management, animal rights, and the health of the planet and environment by focusing on whole plant-based foods and sustainable practices.
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