Due to chia’s hydrophilic structure, the seed has the remarkable capability to absorb many times its weight in water. Take advantage of this, by making a basic chia gel to take alone, add to a smoothie, or even use in baked goods.

Preparing chia gel is a simple, quick process. Add 1/3 cup chia seeds to 2 cups of filtered water, which will make a 6:1 water-to-seed ratio. Warm the water slightly, and put into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the dry chia seeds into the water and shake the container for 15 seconds. Let stand for one minute before shaking again. For a thinner gel consistency, use 3 cups of water for every 1/3 cup chia seeds. Adding more water to chia gel will not only help promote hydration in the body, it will help your body adjust to taking chia seeds.

Since chia gel won’t affect flavor, you can add it to just about anything you would like. Add to drinks, yogurt, jams and jellies, yogurt, puddings, soups, or any other liquid or creamy foods for extra nutritional value. Add the chia gel mixture, up to equal parts by weight, and reap all of the many health benefits that chia seeds have to offer.