Don't eat Chia seeds? Here are eight reasons why you should

The first thing you need to know about chia seeds, writes Carla Pinto in Superfoods for the Healthy New You, is that they “contain large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. This fatty acid helps your heart and makes it easier to watch your weight.”

They’re also rich in calcium, manganese and fibre, which is important for strong bones and good digestion. And contain antioxidants, a high percentage of protein and all the essential amino acids your body needs.

If that’s not enough to convince you that Chia seeds are the perfect ingredient to add to your meals, consider this:

The Huffington Post lists the following eight reasons to add Chia seeds to your diet

Chia seeds help you:

1. Combat diabetes and fights insulin resistance.
2. Get a third of your daily fibre intake from just one serving (around 28g) of a day.
3. Say goodbye to smelly fish oils – Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Protect your bones and teeth – A serving of Chia seeds not only equals 18% of your daily calcium needs, it contains 30% of your daily magnesium intake and 27% of your body's phosphorus needs too.
5. Get 10% of their daily protein needs – great news for vegetarians.
6. Bust belly fat. Because one of the causes of belly fat is insulin resistance, Chia seeds make you slimmer.
7. Feel fuller for longer – the amino acid tryhtophan helps regulate your appetite, sleep and mood swings.
8. Improve your blood pressure and increase your healthy cholesterol for a healthier heart.

So there you have it – eight good reasons why you should be adding Chia seeds to your family’s meals every day.

And it’s easy, says Pinto. Simply, slip a serving into your oatmeal every morning to make it that even healthier.