Chia seeds: High in fibre and omega-3, they help with weight loss, digestion and blood sugar level maintenance. Chia seeds can also help raise HDL, the healthy cholesterol, which will help reduce plaque in the arteries and improve brain and cognitive function. Because they take so long to digest, Chia seeds also slow down digestion, which makes nutrients available for a longer period. This means that they fuel your body longer, which makes this pudding ideal for breakfast or a pre-workout snack. Rich in protein, Chia seeds are ideal for people who choose a vegetarian or vegan diet; adding chia seeds to smoothies, soups, or salads can increase the protein intake for people who don’t eat meat or dairy. Looking for a bedtime snack? Tryptophan, an amino acid in chia seeds, can help people feel calmer and sedated. Chia seeds are also high in antioxidants. In addition, a one-ounce serving of chia seeds contains fifteen to twenty percent of the recommended daily allowance of calcium. The seeds also contain phosphorus and magnesium, both of which are necessary to build bones and make the best use of calcium. Besides calcium, vitamin A and zinc are two more beneficial nutrients in these little seeds. Zinc prevents plaque buildup, which ultimately fights the onset of tartar, too. Vitamin A helps promote saliva production, which prevents the adhesion of bacteria, thus helping keep oral diseases at bay. Chia seeds are naturally organic, non-GMO, and raw. They do not need any pesticides or artificial supplements to grow, which means they are always free of poisonous chemicals used in the cultivation of some plants. That gets a huge Woo Hoo from me!
So as you can see, Chia seeds are like the little engine that could! You can make this pudding quickly and easily, adding as many fruits and nuts as you desire.
- First off, you must soak the seeds: 1/4 cup of Chia seeds to a cup of liquid either water, almond, or oat milk. For this recipe, I soaked them in water.
- Once they are soaked, they will take on a pudding-like consistency. Add a couple of tablespoons of almond or oat milk, and stir.
- Then add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Spoon about a half cup of the mixture into a pretty glass. and top with maple syrup, and add fruit of choice!
