The Chia Cookbook Review

I have liked and used chia seeds for awhile, aware that they have much health benefit. In this lovely little cookbook I have gotten much more information about these powerhouse seeds. Janie Hoffman has a nice starting section about the health benefits of chia seeds and then different ways to use them. It is very useful general information to apply.

Did you know that chia seeds are quite high in Omega 3’s (omega 6’s are the ones we don’t want too much of)? 23 % of a chia seed is protein and 33-38% is fiber. Chia seeds are also rich in calcium and iron and has many anti-oxidants. Chia seeds are also very helpful if you wish to lose weight. They will absorb up to 10x their weight in liquid so they take up room in your stomach and help you feel full longer. The high protein and fiber also help to satisfy you longer. 

Janie Hoffman has some helpful tips including how to use chia as a flour substitute, an egg substitute and how to make a chia gel for use in drinks, soups, salad dressings, and dips. 

Then she has a lovely collection of recipes with many wonderful photos (they help motivate me to make the recipes). I have used chia seeds in many smoothies and shakes and got some great ideas here from her recipes. I made her main dish Tuscan White Beans and Baby Kale and found it very tasty. It was encouraging to know that the 1/3 cup of chia seeds in my recipe boosted the health benefits of this easy to make dinner significantly.

She also has chapters on breakfast recipes, snacks, desserts, salads, and main dishes. Who knew chia seeds could be incorporated into so much of one’s diet?
I recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about and using chia seeds in more different ways in your diet. I think as a result I will be using more chia seeds in more of my recipes.
I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Amazon Affiliate link.