Every Monday, we like to start by telling you about foods you can add to your diet to aid your health. It’s nice to speak about food because, unlike the habits and exercises we suggest, it is so easy to eat something new and see if you like it.

At this time of year, as the days get shorter and shorter and the weather gets colder and colder, people’s moods tend to sour. Even if you don’t suffer from seasonal affective disorder, the season can get you down. We wanted to look at chia seeds. Chia seeds pack more mood-elevating omega-3s than salmon! And, if you are feeling stressed out, they are high in magnesium, which can help you relax. They also have more antioxidants than blueberries! In fact, some dieticians believe that they are the most antioxidant-packed food on Earth. They are fiber-dense and can help blood sugar remain stable and avoid spikes.

Many people only think of chia as Chia Pets. However, the seed has a list of benefits and can be used in many ways. Yes, they can be thrown into a salad or smoothie as an additional source of protein. However, they can be featured more prominently in the form of pudding, baked goods, ice pops and more! You can try out all the different recipes to see if something hits the spot.

One ounce has eleven grams of fiber, four grams of protein, only one gram of digestible carbs and 137 calories! The seeds leave you feeling full. They absorb more than 10 times their weight in water, expanding in your stomach. Moreover, the ratio of protein to bulk in the seed leaves you satiated longer than something carb-heavy. While they aren’t a diet food, they may help you reach your goals. The seeds have also been linked to better heart health, bone support, possibly fighting inflammation and more!

There are some unfortunate drawbacks to eating chia seeds. If you eat a lot of them, their expanding nature can become a negative. Instead of being a thing that keeps you feeling full, they can give you constipation. Moreover, they can interact with medications. So, before you start enjoying them regularly, you should ask your doctor if they could cause you any problems. Eating them in moderation should be fine, but it’s always best to speak to your doctor.

Hopefully, you’ll be including chia in your diet soon. You never know, overnight chia pudding may become your go-to breakfast!