Chia Pudding
Chia seeds are a highly nutritious food that are a great addition to your daily menu.
Why?
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Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, even more so than flax seeds.
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Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants.
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The whole seeds don’t deteriorate and can be stored for longer periods without becoming rancid.
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The seeds do not have to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body. That means, less time in the kitchen!
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Chia seeds also provide fiber (25 grams give you 6.9 grams of fiber) as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc.
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They soothe the gastro-intestinal tract – when added to water and allowed to sit for 30 minutes, chia forms a gel. This gel is less abrasive to the gi tract than ground flax seeds.
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They help balance blood sugar levels. Researchers suggest that the reaction described in #6, also takes place in the stomach, slowing the process by which digestive enzymes break down the carbohydrates and convert them into sugar.
A simple way to add chia to your diet is to add a tablespoon or 2 per day to smoothies, soups or salads. If you are looking for something a little different and healthfully decadent, try the following pudding recipe. This pudding is nutritious enough to have for breakfast!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds (purchase them whole, not ground)
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut, almond, hemp or any nut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- Unsweetened coconut
- Pumpkin seeds
- Blueberries
- Optional: wild orange essential oil, maple syrup
Directions:
- Place whole chia and milk into a bowl and soak overnight or at least 20 minutes.
- Top with anything you like. Try berries, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, coconut, dried fruit, or even granola.
You can store it for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Serve it cold or at room temperature, topped with fresh fruit, if desired.
Linda Ljucovic, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Oakville
amanda
April 10, 2013at9:45 amThis pudding tasted surprisingly better than anticipated. I ate a little on its own but then added to my oatmeal/quinoi cereal with a little bit of sweetness and it tasted great.