CHIA PUDDING

Friday, June 2, 2017

Hello lovelies,

As some of you know, I am obsessed with chia seeds, and I love eating chia seeds pudding. I found out about chia seeds long time ago, when I started to eat really healthy, and I am really glad that they are so popular now. Everyone knows about chia seeds now, and they should, because they're awesome! Have you seen my older posts with recipes with chia seeds? Check them out here, here, here, here and here.
So, let's get into the origin of chia seeds and their health benefits first, and then I will write the recipe of my pudding.



What are chia seeds?

''Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows abundantly in southern Mexico. In pre-Columbian times they were a main component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and were the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors. I've read that one tablespoon was believed to sustain an individual for 24 hours. The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to stimulate salvia flow and to relieve joint pain and sore skin. '' - Quoted from Dr.Weil

The flavour of chia seeds is mild and almost non-existent. If you combine them with liquid they start to form a gel-like consistency. 

They are a good source of:

  • Omega 3 fatty acids - Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, meaning that you need to get it from food resources because your body can not produce them itself- Omega 3's reduce inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, etc. They are also said to help wit weight reduction related to their regulation of blood sugar levels and insulin.
  • Plant-based protein - We all know that protein is an essential macronutrient needed for many functions in the body.
  • Antioxidants - Anti-oxidants help us to get rid of free radicals, which have been linked to cancer and heart disease.
  • Fiber - Helps with weight loss by keeping you feeling full, prevents constipation and ehnances regularity.
  • Magnesium and Potassium - Two minerals needed for good health

So, Chia Seeds are a staple for those who are in the health and wellness space. It is great that you can find them everywhere now, because a couple of years ago, I had to order them online, or search for them in some healthy food stores.

Chia seeds can absorb 9 times their weight in liquid, so I add three tablespoons of chia seeds to 1 cup of liquid.
The liquid is up to you, based on preference and dietary restrictions. I use water, and mainly coconut milk.
Once you soak them in the liquid they become thick, creamy and pudding like. They have no flavour so you can add cinnamon, vanilla, honey, maple syrup. Whatever you prefer.
I also made chocolate version a thousand times before. Just add some raw cacao powder into the mixture, and leave it in the fridge overnight. And you will have the best chocolate pudding ever!

Here is the list of the ingredients I used for my chia pudding:

  • 3 tablespoons of chia seeds
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • half a banana
  • 4-5 strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for topping
  • 1 tablespoon of granola for topping






Instructions

  1. In a jar or a cup, mix chia seeds, coconut milk. Put the lid over the top, and place it in the fridge, leaving it overnight.
  2. Your mixture will be ready tomorrow, and take one spoon, and place one layer of pudding in another jar. Over that layer, place fruit of your choice. Add another layer of pudding, and finish off with whatever you like. I added 2 layers of pudding and 2 layers of fruit. I finished off with some granola and topped it all with maple syrup.

That is basically it. You can use whatever fruit you like, you can use raw cacao, honey instead of maple syrup. 




Have you ever tried any recipe with chia seeds? What are your thoughts?


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