Benefits of Chia Seeds + delicious Chia Pudding Recipe!
Chia seeds have become one of the most popular superfoods in the health community. They are easy to digest when prepared properly, and are a very versatile ingredient that adds easily to recipes.
Recent research has found that the chia seed benefits are even greater than we realized. It’s benefits also include:
- Supporting the heart and digestive system
- Building stronger bones and muscles
- Recently linked to healing diabetes
- Promoting healthy skin
The reason Chia seeds are so beneficial is due to them being rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals such as:
- Dietary fiber (11g – 42% recommended daily value)
- Protein
- Omega-3 and Omega-6
- Calcium
- Copper
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Zinc
Incorporating Chia in Your Diet
Chia is quite versatile. The seeds can be eaten raw, soaked in water to form a gel or sprouted like alfalfa sprouts. When eaten raw they have a nutlike flavor and are a great addition to your morning quinoa porridge, or tossed on a salad. They can absorb up to ten times their weight in water so they are a great way to thicken up soups or a smoothie.
Check out this recipe:
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Strawberry Chia Pudding
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
- 400g fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 1/2 cups natural coconut milk
- 1/4 cup rice malt syrup, or to taste
- 1 vanilla bean, scraped
- 3/4 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
Method
Place the strawberries, coconut milk, honey, vanilla, and lime zest in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and add more honey if desired.
Place the chia seeds in a large bowl, pour the strawberry mixture on top, and whisk thoroughly. Let stand for 10 minutes and whisk again.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 2-3 days. Stir the pudding before serving. The longer it sits, the thicker the pudding will become; if you find that it is too thick, whisk in a little water.
Enjoy!
