The tiny superfood chia seeds know. As "Indian running seeds" are native to Mexico and said to be used by the Aztecs, Mayans and Incans. Coming from a plant in the mint family available in both white and black seeds, they are a great source of healthy omega-3 fats, protein, fibre and packed full of calcium, manganese and phophorus.
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health whilst calcium, manganese and phophorus all help maintain healthy teeth and bones. Phophorus also helps the body synthesize protein to enable cell and tissue re growth.
These little gems are beneficial to diabetes suffers or those at risk of the disease, by slowing digestion and preventing blood sugar spikes. They can also help promote a healthy heart by improving blood pressure and increasing healthy cholesterol.
Lastly and for some of us most importantly chia seeds are great for ensuring a healthy diet by stabilizing blood sugar levels and fighing insulin resistance which can cause an increase in belly fat. The amino acid tryptophan is also found in chia seeds which can help regulate your appetite, improve your mood and also you sleep patterns.
They also absorb vast amount of water making them a great tool against dehydration when exercising.
For a gulten free ingredient which has more calcium than a glass of milk, more antioxidants than blueberries and more omega-3 than salmon..why wait?!
Start including chia seeds in your diet for a healthy inside and out.
But how can I add these tiny seeds to my diet I hear you ask?!.....easy.
Try sprinkling on salads, adding into smoothies creating chia pudding or adding to porridge. Why not push the experimental boat out and make grain free chia crackers.
I tried my first chia seed experience by creating a plain old chia gel/pudding. I made the gel by using :
2/3 cup chia seeds
2 cups liquid (use coconut milk, almond milk or water depending in your preference)
I used 1 cup water and 1 cup milk as it's what I had in.
My second recipe is coconut chia pudding (first photo):
5 tablespoons Chia seeds
400ml (reduced fat) Coconut milk
Mix in a bowl with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes and set in the fridge before eating.
All you do is mic together well and allow to sit for at least 10minutes but preferably over night to soak up the liquid.
Then add whatever dried fruit/nuts/yogurt you like.
I made layers adding sunflower seeds, figs and dates, cashews and topped with cacao nibs for extra anti oxidants and shredded coconut then drizzled with agave syrup.
A healthy delicious easy peasy snack, breakfast or pudding.
