Introduction
There’s no denying that the chia seed is a superfood. Some people even use it as an everyday daily supplement in pasta, cereal, and shakes. However, just because this super seed is helpful doesn’t mean you must use it even when it needs available to you. You can go for a substitute for chia seeds for your everyday recipes. Substituting chia seeds for a regular ingredient is a great way to make your recipes that much more healthy. However, substituting chia seeds for a regular ingredient isn’t the same as using them in place of it.
What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds are seeds that can be used in a variety of recipes, found in most households around the world. They are food for all life forms, including pets and livestock. They’re high in vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to your home willow tree or large garden.
What can you substitute for chia seeds?
Chia seeds can be substituted with some other common seeds and grains we can have in our everyday life that are similarly beneficial for health. According to the requirements of the recipes, we can use these different seeds and grains to prepare everyday meals. There are many to substitute with but I am going to discuss the most interesting ones.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a naturally rich source of fibre, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, magnesium and calcium. They’re a staple of diets in many countries, on many continents. Still, little is known about flax seeds. Flax seeds are used in many different ways. They can be ground or ground into flour and processed into foods like bread, breakfast cereal, salad dressings, dietary supplements, and whole-grain flours.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a grain that’s native to South America, and it is often used to make foods like quinoa salads and dishes. It is also known as a pseudo-cereal because it uses the same seeds as most cereal grains but has the texture of an egg. Quinoa has strong nutritional value. It is also gluten-free. The main nutrient in quinoa is proteins and carbohydrates. It has a low glycemic index, which means it’s low in sugar and easy to digest.
Sunflower Seeds
In America, sunflower seeds are a popular snack. They are used in many different products and dishes, and people usually don’t even realise that they’re edible. The myth surrounding the seed has been around for centuries. They have been said to be poisonous, that they caused skin problems, and that they could kill you. The sunflower seeds we eat today, in Europe, the seeds were considered a delicacy.
Pumpkin Seeds
I love pumpkin seeds. They’re tasty and versatile and are a more affordable substitute for chia seeds. They’re also an amazing way to make your body feel good. Although they’re made of seeds, they don’t mean they’re meant to be consumed in large quantities. All you need is a pumpkin seed and a little patience. You can buy these seeds in most supermarkets, and not too many grocers sell them by the pound.
Wheat Germ
Wheat germ is not just wheat or anything else. It’s a bio-chemical that lives in the grains called starches but the thing is, it’s more than just starches. It’s a very interesting substance that has many uses in the culinary world. It is very beneficial in many different ways and has many different uses in the kitchen or even in other areas. It has a very strong flavour and taste.
What would make an ideal substitute for chia seeds?
Flax seeds can be a great substitute for chia seeds. They both have not only almost similar nutrients but also similar use. We can use both of them in different dishes. Therefore, we can use it wherever we would like to use chia seeds despite their difference in size and taste.
Conclusion
Oat bran, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, coconut flakes, psyllium husks and so on are some other substitutes for chia seeds that are also similar to them according to nutrients and can be used in various dishes just like chia seeds. However, despite chia seeds being considered a superfood they can often be replaced with some other seeds and grains as mentioned above to make meals much healthier and tastier.
Ishrata 