Oats With Amaranth, Chia Seeds and Blueberries Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to cook chia seeds with oatmeal? ›

Chia seeds absorb water or milk, so they're a great way to thicken up a bowl of oatmeal while also adding some filling fiber. You can mix a tablespoon of seeds directly into your cooked oats, or “gel” them first by allowing them to soak up ¾ cup of milk or almond milk.

Why Do You Put Chia Seeds in Overnight Oats? Chia seeds up the nutrition content in overnight oats. They're loaded with good-for-your-gut fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help calm inflammation in your body and may protect you from chronic disease. They also add a nice protein boost to this recipe.

If you're curious about how to cook amaranth, you'll be pleased to know that it makes for a delicious hot cereal or polenta! You can also use it to add a lovely texture to baked goods or homemade granola. With an earthy, nutty flavor, amaranth is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner and every snack in between.

Add in the chia seeds and flax meal and stir to combine. These seeds are natural thickeners and will immediately begin to absorb water. Let the oats sit for 3-5 minutes so the seeds can absorb moisture and thicken the oats.

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.

For excellent Omega-3 benefits, you can add a teaspoon or two to your oatmeal after it's cooked (you don't want to heat or cook the chia seeds).

Thanks to their excellent nutrient profile, chia seeds have been associated with many health benefits. In one study, a diet including nopal cactus, soy protein, oats and chia seeds was found to decrease body weight, blood triglycerides and inflammation ( 4 ).

Side Effects of Eating Too Many Chia Seeds

"Some people may experience GI and digestive issues from eating too many chia seeds. This is likely because they're an excellent source of fiber," explains Schlichter. "Also, these symptoms may be exacerbated if you're not drinking enough water," she says.

The Bottom Line

Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer. If you're ready to start your morning with a bowl of oats, try our Cinnamon-Roll Overnight Oats.

"Soaking the grains makes their nutrients easier to digest and shortens the cooking time," says Ziata. Simply combine amaranth and water in a large bowl, completely submerging the grains. When you're ready to cook, drain and rinse the grains with a fine mesh strainer.

How to eat amaranth for weight loss? ›

Preparation and Serving Tips

This versatile grain can be cooked in liquids and eaten as a porridge or pilaf. It can even be popped like corn. But because of its strong flavor, you may like it best combined with other grains.

So avoid taking large amounts of calcium and lysine at the same time. For people with hypoglycaemic concerns, eating too much amaranth grain could be potentially dangerous because of its ability to lower insulin levels.

To get the most benefit out of your chia seeds, soak them overnight in water before making your oatmeal with chia seeds. To do this, simply put your chia seeds in a small ramekin with 1/2 cup (125ml) of water, and stir. Leave to sit for a minute, then stir again and place in the fridge overnight.

Flax seeds may be slightly more effective at reducing hunger and appetite. Chia seeds and flax seeds are both great sources of fiber, which can help reduce hunger and cravings ( 33 ). However, they contain different levels of soluble fiber, a type particularly effective at reducing hunger and controlling appetite.

Chia seeds can add fiber and healthy fats to oatmeal, even in small doses. Should I soak chia seeds before adding to oatmeal? You don't have to soak chia seeds before adding them to oatmeal since they will plump up as they absorb some of the liquid in the pot.

Chia seeds can be eaten raw or added to recipes. 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.

They give the oats a delicious thick and creamy texture, sort of like that of chia pudding. They also add protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

As you like it

This means you needn't worry that baking, blitzing or any other kitchen activities are going to impact the nutritional quality. You can use chia by adding it as an ingredient into your baking or by simply sprinkling seeds onto your bread or biscuits before or after the oven.