What are the benefits of chia seeds? Can it be used to cook porridge for babies?

Chia seeds are seeds that contain many nutrients beneficial for health. However, it is possible to use chia seeds in meals for babies or not, the following article will clarify this question.

Chia seeds are very low in calories but packed with nutrients
Chia seeds are small black seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant, related to mint. Chia seeds were an important food for the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. As for the term "divide", this is an ancient Mayan word meaning "strength".
Despite its ancient history as a staple of the diet, chia seeds have only recently been recognized as a health food.
One ounce (28 grams) of chia seeds contains:
Fiber: 11 grams. Protein: 4 grams. Fat: 9 grams (but omega-3s already make up 5 grams). Calcium: 18% Recommended Nutrient Needs (RDA) Manganese: 30% RDI. Magnesium: 30% of the RDI. Phosphorus: 27% of the RDI. In addition, chia seeds are also rich in other important nutrients such as zinc, vitamin B3 (niacin), potassium, vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2.
This is particularly impressive given that a single ounce, or 28 grams, or about two tablespoons provides only 137 calories and one gram of digestible carbohydrates.

One of the strengths of chia seeds is their high antioxidant content. These antioxidants protect the sensitive fats in the seeds from going rancid.
Currently, the benefits of an antioxidant supplement routine are still debated by experts and researchers and more research is needed to make recommendations, but researchers agree that taking Antioxidants from foods can have positive effects on health.
Most importantly, antioxidants fight the production of free radicals, which can damage cell molecules, contributing to aging and diseases like cancer.
Almost all carbs in chia seeds are fiber
Just 1 ounce (28 grams) of chia seeds has 12 grams of carbs, 11 grams of which is fiber your body can't digestible.
Fiber does not raise blood sugar and does not require insulin to metabolize sugar. Although the carbs in chia seeds are in the carbohydrate family, their health effects are different from those of easily digestible carbs like starches and sugars.
Due to the low carb content that the body can digest per gram per ounce (28 grams), it makes chia seeds a healthy food due to their low carb content.
With high soluble fiber content, when you put chia seeds in water, it can absorb 10-12 times more water than the weight of chia seeds.
Theoretically, this effect should increase satiety, slow down your food absorption and help you automatically eat fewer calories.
Fiber also feeds the good bacteria in your gut, which is important for keeping your gut flora well-nourished to help protect your health.
Chia seeds are a rich source of dietary fiber with 40% fiber by weight.

Chia seeds are full of important nutrients that children need such as iron, zinc, omega 3, fiber and calcium. With only a small amount of chia seeds, they are packed with nutrients. For example, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds has almost the same amount of iron as 1 tablespoon of beef.
Chia seeds are absolutely safe for babies. Chia seeds have been used for thousands of years as a food in many different cultures. The rumors about the safety of chia seeds stemmed from an article about a man who had trouble swallowing chia seeds. This person ate a large amount of dried chia seeds at once and then drank water shortly after. The chia seeds then expand inside the person's throat and get stuck in the throat.
Chia seeds can be used by sprinkling them on top of things, soaking them before eating or mashing them. If you're concerned about the safety of chia seeds for your child, you can sprinkle chia seeds over watery foods, like yogurt or oatmeal, or simply soak them before eating.
If you decide to soak the chia seeds before serving, simply soak them in the liquid of your choice. You can soak them in water then use chia seeds to make baby porridge, milk, breast milk, yogurt, or even oatmeal. Chia seeds are extremely versatile and can be used in many different ways. Chia seeds are rich in fiber, so when giving them to children, you should use them in small amounts and gradually increase the amount. Start by sprinkling a little on everything your baby eats, and gradually sprinkle on more. You should use the amount of chia seeds at 1-2 teaspoons per day to avoid overload.

Nutrition plays an important role in helping children grow comprehensively. Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiencies, causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption, etc. If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with supportive products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your child. Take care of the baby and the whole family.

The article is referenced at the source: healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com, newwaysnutrition.com