Benefits of Chia Flour and how to use it

The chia flour is obtained from the grinding of the seeds of chia, bringing about the same benefits of these seeds. It can be used in dishes such as breads, pasta for functional cakes or added in yogurts and vitamins, being a great option for those who want to lose weight.

Among the main benefits that chia flour brings to health are:

1. Improve bowel function by fighting constipation;
2. Helping to lose weight, by increasing the feeling of satiety due to its high fiber content;
3. Relax and improve mood by being rich in magnesium;
4. Act as an anti-inflammatory because it contains omega-3s;
5. Prevent anemia, because it is high in iron;
6. Improve skin, hair and vision by containing vitamin A;
7. Improve bone health due to its high calcium content;
8. Help control cholesterol by being rich in omega-3.

Ideally, chia flour should be stored in a closed container stored in the cabinet so that it does not come in contact with light and air as this will keep its nutrients longer.

Nutritional information

The following table gives the nutritional information for 1 tablespoon chia flour, which is equivalent to 15 g.

Chia flour can be found in supermarkets and nutrition stores, and can be sold in bulk or bulk packages.

How to use and Recipes

Chia flour can be added in juices, vitamins, porridge and pasta for cakes, pies and breads, replacing part of the white flour that is usually used in these recipes.

Here are 2 easy recipes with this flour:

1. Apple cake with chia

Ingredients:

• 2 apples with chopped peel
• 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ cup demerara sugar
• 2/3 cup coconut oil or sunflower
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup chia flour
• 1 cup oat flakes
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup walnuts or chopped nuts
• 3/4 cup milk
• ½ cup raisins

Method of Preparation :

Beat in the blender the eggs, sugar, oil and the peels of apples. In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, oats, and chia flour, then add the chopped apples, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon. Add the blender mixture to the batter, and finally put the vanilla essence and the yeast. Stir well and bake in preheated oven at 180ºC for about 40 minutes.

2. Easy Brownie from Chia

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cup of rice flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup demerara sugar
• 1 and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons vanilla essence
• Chopped nuts
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups rice milk
• Chia to sprinkle

Method of Preparation :

Mix all ingredients, place in a baking dish and sprinkle the chia. Bake on medium heat for 15 minutes. When serving, sprinkle with a little more chia.