Chia seeds are tiny yet mighty in their nutritional benefits. They swell to 10 times their original size when placed in liquid, making them ideal for thickening puddings and smoothies.
Just a few of the tricks up the sleeves of chia seeds include…
- High in omega-3 fatty acids
- Great source of soluble and insoluble fiber
- More calcium than milk per serving
- Higher in antioxidants than blueberries
- High in vitamins A, B, D and E
- Loaded with magnesium
- Good source of protein
- Easy to digest and assimilate (low in phytates)
- Help balance blood sugar levels and get rid of sugar cravings
Chia is a true superfood. The direct translation of chia means strength in the Mayan language, and was a valuable food of traditional Mayan, Inca and Aztec people. Apparently they used to trade chia seeds for gold as they were such a valuable source of energy.
Some of my favorite ways to eat chia include soaking them for an hour in coconut milk and a bit of maple syrup and eating that for dessert or breakfast with fresh berries, sprinkling them on salads or soups, adding them to homemade crackers, blending them into my smoothies and of course, delectable chia puddings.
Not only are they highly nutritious, chia seeds are filling and tasty. Here’s one of my favorite chia seed recipes.
Add all ingredients to your blender and process until super smooth.
Strawberry Banana Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds
- 1 banana
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon stevia
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and chill in refrigerator until the chia turns into a pudding consistency, about 20 minutes.
- Add all ingredients to your blender and process until super smooth.
Adding chia seeds to your diet is amazing for your gut health, but If you’re seriously interested in getting healthy, restoring your digestion and boosting your energy then check out my new comprehensive program Restore your Gut Health. In the program you get a ton of delicious satisfying recipes as well as strategies that will help rebuild your intestinal flora.
To your gut health,
Nick Garcia
