Chia seeds are a super food that you need to be eating.
“Super food” is a term being thrown around a lot these days, but in reality there are a limited number of foods that can be classified as super.
What makes it super?
It’s hard to imagine that such a tiny seed could contain so much goodness. But to be considered super, a food must contain an above average amount of health promoting qualities like vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids (EFA), protein and fiber.
And chia has all of these in spades.
In just 3.5 oz of chia seed you’re getting an insane amount of nutrition:
- Fiber: 34.4g
- Protein: 16.54g
- EFA: 17.8g omega-3
- EFA: 5.8g omega-6
- Calcium: 631mg
- Magnesium: 335mg
- Phosphorus: 860mg
One thing I really want to highlight here is that fact that chia has over half of your daily recommended value of calcium & 10g more than your DRV of fiber!!
Eating chia is like taking a supplement. These guys are rich in Vitamins A, C, & E and many B Vitamins as well.
In case you’re wondering, phosphorus builds healthy bones and tooth enamel!
Fat head
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, chia seeds are an important food for you to consume.
These little seeds are one of the only plant based sources of an essential fatty acid called ALA or alpha-linolenic-acid. ALA is very important because it is converted in the body into another fatty acid called DHA.
In most cases, DHA is only found in animal foods like beef and fish. Why is this important for you to know?
Our brains are about 70% fat and DHA is the fat that makes up that 70%. It’s a crucial nutrient for cognition, brain function, brain development during pregnancy and childhood development, memory and mental acuity.
Perfect Detox Food
Chia seeds are also a fantastic food for detoxification. The reason?
Well, if you’ve ever tried chia then you know that once they come into contact with fluid of any kind, they become extremely slimy. Chia seeds are able to absorb 12 times their weight in fluid, making them one of the most hydrating foods in the world.
And legend has it that the first messengers or marathon runners in ancient times would take nothing with them but chia for it’s ability to hydrate and sustain as well as for it’s light-weight compactness.
Furthermore, the gel acts like a magnet for toxins. Once toxins are absorbed by the chia gel and fiber, your body now has an exit strategy for these health destroying bad guys.
Body, “Thanks chia!” . Chia,“You’re welcome body.”
Drinking plenty of water is essential when you consume chia.
If you’re not going to eat your meat – eat your pudding
- 1/2 cup of whole Chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon org. cinnamon
- 1 tbsp org. vanilla extract
- 3 oz. org. raw cacao
- 1 cup of water
- 3/4 cup of org. whole milk, almond or any other non-dairy milk
- 2.5 oz of org. grade B maple syrup
- a pinch of sea salt
- 2 tbsp org. unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 whole org. banana
- Combine Chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla, cacao, water, milk and maple syrup in an air tight container.
- Seal, shake vigorously and place in refrigerator to congeal and cool.
- For a smoother, richer ganache-like dessert add peanut butter and banana with the chia mixture in a blender. Blend on high until silky smooth.
- The blender may warm the ganache, so you might want to chill again in the refrigerator.
- Serve with fresh berries and enjoy!
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