Chia seeds have gained "superfood" status, which may seem like a tall tale given their size. Yet, registered dietitians share that the little seeds boast significant health benefits.
"Chia seeds are packed with a lot of nutrition benefits for such a small package," says Ariana Wood, MS, RD, LDN of knownwell, a clinic specializing in obesity care.
Indeed, you'll find them sprinkled into tons of recipes, from chia seed pudding to overnight oats and smoothies
What are chia seeds good for, though? Registered dietitians shared chia seed benefits and nutrition.
"These tiny, nutrient-packed seeds come from the salvia hispanica plant, a flowering herb native to Central and South America
Once a dietary staple of ancient civilizations, they’ve stood the test of time thanks to their rich nutritional profile and versatility
Amanda Sauceda, RD, a registered dietitian, explains that chia seeds are part of the mint family (but don't taste like mint) and come in black and white.