I had heard much about Chia and bought some a few years ago. I added to the blender for smoothies and I have used to make great and healthy puddings.
Things I have learned about Chia as I have incorporated it more deeply in my diet:
Great source of –
• Omega 3 fatty acids ( and it won’t go rancid like other sources0
• Complete Protein ( has full spectrum of Essential Amino Acids)
• 2 oz. (100g) chia has 600 mg calcium (5 TIMES the calcium in same amount of milk)
• Also a great source for Boron- Necessary for metabolism of calcium and other minerals
• Seed can be eaten without grinding, making it great during activity
I have used chia in smoothies for thickness and added nutritional kick, made gels and added to blended fruit for an amazing pudding, added to soup/chili as a thickening agent, and used the gel as a fat replacement in cooking.
Chia Gel
1 part chia
5-10 parts water (experiment with amount depending on humidity)
Add water and whisk briefly and do so again after 2-3 minutes to limits clumps
Can be eaten as is( Ok flavor) but Great added up to 50-50 to other foods fruit, yogurt, smoothie, stews.
Chia Fresca
2 tsp Chia
1 cup Water
Juice of ½ grapefruit (or 2 small limes)
Sweetener like agave can be added(1-2 tsp)
Powdered ginger(optional)
Can be consumed immediately or carried as a great energy and fluid /energy replacement drink.
Shake to keep seed/gel loose. Variations of this have been used for many years.
www.chiaforhealth.com
www.latinmerchant.com/chia_seed_information.asp
A long time runner, in the football off-season and started for fun after football in the 80's.-became a vegan after a Dairy free experiment- Now I think about running, hiking, gardening and food and try to write about this way of living. Removal of dairy from diet in 2003 was successful for pain reduction and elimination of inflammation. -followed with complete removal of animal products in diet Now keeping track of thoughts , feelings and challenges.
A long time runner, in the football off-season and started for fun after football in the 80's.-became a vegan after a Dairy free experiment- Now I think about running, hiking, gardening and food and try to write about this way of living. Removal of dairy from diet in 2003 was successful for pain reduction and elimination of inflammation. -followed with complete removal of animal products in diet Now keeping track of thoughts , feelings and challenges.
Very interesting info on chia - something I know excessively little about.
ReplyDeleteDo I have to add the seeds to water before I put them in my smoothie? Or can I just throw 'em in the blender?
Chia can be added right to the blender and will absorb liquid from the contents- it can also be soaked before adding(will need a spoon to add it then).
ReplyDeleteI also use ground chia and add it straight to the blender.
I love chia in fruit puddings