SUPER FOOD: CHIA SEEDS

Chia seeds have been around long before they became famous as part of the Chia Pet craze (ch-ch-ch-chia). The seeds were believed to have been a staple in ancient Aztec and Mayan diets; supposedly, they’d fill up on chia seeds before heading into battle. But how is this superfood relevant today, when you're not exactly preparing to do battle? (Unless you count the commute to work, which sometimes feels like going into war). We tapped Brooke Alpert and Dana Kofsky to give every reason—including glowy skin and weight loss—you need to start eating chia seeds.

They Can Help You Drop Pounds

"Chia seeds are one of my favorite nutritional powerhouses," says Alpert. "They are loaded with tons of micro- and macro-nutrients, including protein, fiber, fat, calcium, manganese, and tons more. They are also a great source of antioxidants. All of this makes them great for weight loss, heart health, and digestive health." The 11 grams of fiber and 4.4 grams of protein in a single serving of chia seeds can be beneficial to weight loss by helping keep you fuller for longer. Plus, the seeds can absorb 10 times their weight in water, making them nutrient-dense fillers to add to your smoothies and baked goods. But don't go overboard: Any more than the recommended serving and the fiber can start to upset your stomach.

They're Powerful Stress-Busters

Chia seeds are chock-full of an unsung nutrient hero, magnesium, which can help keep cortisol (aka the stress hormone) levels low.