Curious about Chia Seeds?
Chia Seeds have been claimed to be a
dieters dream come true. They are very versatile as they can be used in many recipes
sweet or savoury.
I personally enjoy eating them in smoothies and added
to yoghurt for breakfast as they act as a thickening agent keeping me feel full
and energised. I buy mine online at Huckleberry farms.
There
are so many health benefits of Chia that I could go on forever, but here are just
a few good reasons why you should incorporate Chia seeds into your diet:
1. Chia Seeds increase their size and weight in water and form a
gel-like consistency. When added to
smoothies, milk, or yoghurt etc they will help you feel full for longer.
2. The
rich fibre content in chia slows the conversion of carbohydrate to sugar and
provides a slow release of energy which helps to stabilise your blood sugar levels
and reduces cravings. This can lower your risk for
type 2 diabetes and also ensures you have a consistent energy throughout the
day.
3. Chia is the richest plant source of Omega 3 essential fatty
acid. Omega-3 oils are super important in our diets as they promote good blood
flow, improve hormonal balances, reduce inflammation in the blood vessels,
improves our moods, and overall, its important in heart and cholesterol health.
4. Chia is a complete protein with all eight amino acids. Protein is essential for our bodies to build
and repair tissues, build bones, muscles, skin and blood. It’s important that we have protein every day
as our bodies don’t store it. Furthermore, because it’s a complete protein, it helps
you to feel energised all day.
5. Apparently, "Chia" is the Mayan word for strength
and is used by some athletes as endurance food. Because of the excellent absorbency
of Chia Seeds, they can help you prolong hydration and retain electrolytes.
6. Chia is
an excellent source of gluten free wholegrain that can be eaten raw, directly
from the packet, without grinding or cooking.
Here
are some of my favourite recipes using Chia Seeds.
Cane sugar-free berry & Chia Seed Jam
Ingredients:
3 cups raspberries or blueberries
½ cup honey or agave
¼ cup of water
2 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons chia seeds
Directions:
1.Place the berries, honey or agave, and water in a pan and cook on medium to
medium high heat for about 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Stir the mixture often and make sure it is not sticking and burning because
all the moisture had been reduced. Add a little more water if needed while
reducing the berries. It is ready when the berries have broken down, released
their liquid and the mixture had become much thicker.
3. Remove from heat and add the lemon juice and chia seeds and stir well. Let
it cool a little then spoon into jars and set on the counter to cool. When cool
cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Chocolate Mousse and Strawberries
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp Coconut
Water
2 tsp Chia Seeds
2 Tbsp Maple Syrup
2 Tbsp Raw Cacao
Powder
1 Cup Coconut Meat
pinch Sea Salt
½ Cup Strawberries,
sliced
Place
coconut water, chia seeds and maple syrup in a blender. Let stand for 10
minutes, allowing chia seeds to bloom.
Add
coconut meat, cacao powder and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Spoon
into 2 wine glasses and garnish with strawberries.
This
can be made 24 hours in advance.
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