Chia Seed Peanut Butter Superfood Cookies {gluten free recipe} (2024)

FAQs

Can you use chia seeds in gluten free baking? ›

Chia seeds are also used for specific culinary functions. Their ability to gel makes them great for replacing eggs in vegan cooking, substituting pectin to produce sugar-free jam, naturally thickening soups and sauces and improving the texture of gluten free breads and bakes.

Chia seeds are naturally gluten-free. Chia seeds can be safely consumed by individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Superfoods like chia seeds or flax seeds are nutritional powerhouses because they are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while peanut butter gives the mixture a delicious nutty flavor and is an excellent source of protein and good fats.

The absence of gluten in chia seeds make them an attractive option for celiacs diet to replace wheat flour or as an egg alternative for vegan diets.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

If you're taking medication for hypertension or diabetes, talk to your doctor before adding chia seeds to your diet, as they may affect your blood pressure and blood sugar. In addition, if you have preexisting GI issues, you may also want to use caution when adding fiber-rich foods, like chia seeds, into your diet.

Caffeic acid, an antioxidant found in chia seeds, can help to fight inflammation in the body. Eating chia seeds regularly may also help to reduce inflammatory markers, which often indicate the presence of an inflammatory disease. A 1-ounce serving of chia seeds has 39% of your recommended daily allowance of fiber.

Chia seeds are also an excellent source of anti-inflammatory ALA, but their biggest benefit is probably their high fiber content (about 10 grams per serving), which will you fill you up and help control weight, says Moore.

Chia seeds are naturally free of the top 8 allergens (eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk), making them a safe nutrient-dense food for those with allergies. Not only that but these seeds can also be used to make allergy-friendly foods like pasta, bread, baked goods, and even chia milk!

Limited research in animals and humans has found that taking chia seeds daily can lead to greater weight loss and bone mineral content ( 14 , 24 ). That said, eating too many can cause some side effects, so start with a small dose, like 1 oz (28 g) daily, and make sure to drink plenty of water.

What happens to your body when you start eating chia seeds? ›

The bottom line

Chia seeds are very rich in fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They have been linked to improvement in risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, as well as benefits for digestion and gut health. Chia seeds are very easy to incorporate into a healthy diet.

Simply boil some chia seeds in water. Let the mixture sit on low flame for a while. Sip it as a tea to burn belly fat. Note: While chia seeds are believed to be safe and can be added to your weight loss diet, it is best to check with your doctor to avoid complications.

Because the coating of chia seeds soaks up water rapidly, soaking chia seeds in milk or water for a few hours (or overnight) can give the seeds a tapioca pudding-like texture and makes them a great binder to hold baked goods together, like these Coconut-Chia Oat Crisps.

Sift flour, white sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together in a large bowl; add oats and chia seeds. Mix orange juice, applesauce, oil, and eggs together in a bowl; stir into flour mixture until batter is just combined. Fold blueberries into batter. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling 3/4-full.

It's simple – just 1 Tbsp chia seeds + 2.5 Tbsp water = a chia egg. But then what? So many uses! You can use a chia egg (or flax egg) as an egg substitute in many dishes, like quick breads, waffles, cookies, and more!

CHIA SEEDS

Chia alone can not imitate gluten, but it does so if mixed with flax seats and psyllium seeds as described here you can see how.

You can add chia seeds to baked goods, drinks like smoothies, and other recipes to add extra nutrition to your diet. Chia seeds are tiny but mighty — and extremely nutritious. Just 1 ounce (28.35 grams) contains 10 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein, and 138 calories.

For most recipes, ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ground chia can serve as a binder. Chia is also a great addition to egg free or vegan baking.