I have heard from many sources to eat chia seeds, hemp hearts, and flaxseeds. What are they? What do they do?  Should I really consume them?  It seems that everywhere I turn I hear about seeds, hearts, and more seeds!

Chia Seeds, Hemp Hearts and Flaxseeds are nutrient-dense super seeds.  You can use them separately or as a blend.  Blended, they are a wonderful combination of vitamins, minerals, protein and omegas.  Don’t let their small size fool you, they each pack a big nutritional punch. They are perfect for baking, adding to a smoothie, homemade granola, or peanut butter power balls. 

Chia Seeds

Chia is a small seed that comes from the salvia hispanica plant found in Mexico and Central America. It is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and many other nutrients like calcium. 

Hemp Hearts

Hemp hearts are the soft inner part of the unshelled hemp seeds.  The hemp plant is sometimes associated with cannabis, but the hemp hearts do not contain THC.

Hemp hearts are a source of plant-based protein as well as healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to being high in protein, hemp provides an excellent source of zinc.

Flaxseeds

Nutty-tasting flaxseeds are harvested from the perennial Linum Usitatissimum plant that are grown in various regions throughout the world. Flaxseeds contain healthy fats.  They’re a great source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for the diet.  Consuming more ALA-rich foods like flax could help keep your heart beat stronger, lessening the risk of heart failure.

All three products are available in ready to use packages in local grocery stores. I am in the process of discovering new ways to incorporate them into our meals.  A few more suggestions are to add them to pancakes, oatmeal, muffins, or plain Greek yogurt with fruit.  When looking for healthy eating choices, remember to add seeds, hearts, and more seeds to your meals.