Chia – The Super Food!

Chia is the ancient Mayan word for strength. Did you know that chia seeds contain more calcium than dairy products and are loaded with protein, fiber and amino acids? They are also a good source of antioxidants which help reduce oxidative stress on the body that causes aging. Antioxidants help to keep your immune system strong to fight off sicknesses.  I love to add chia to my diet by making chia pudding. It’s easy and tasty to make. The basic ratio you need to make the pudding is 2 cups of milk to 1/2 cups chia seeds. You mix those together with whatever flavor pudding you’d like to make. I like it with vanilla and stevia and a pinch of cinnamon. I’ve also made a German chocolate cake version by adding unsweetened cocoa, shredded coconut and stevia. It can be served topped with whipped cream and crushed pecans or walnuts. Be creative, use berries, cinnamon or whatever you love. Chia pudding kind of has a tapioca like consistency and is very filling.

1 ounce equals 28 grams, or about 2 tablespoons and contains:

Protein: 4 grams.

Fiber: 11 grams.

Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are Omega-3s).

Calcium: 18% of the RDA.

Manganese: 30% of the RDA.

Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.

Phosphorus: 27% of the RDA.

They also contain a decent amount of Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B2.