The Chia Co states “Chia is the highest combined plant source of Omega 3, fibre and protein and is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.”
Salvia Hispanica, native to Mexico and Guatemala – commonly known as Chia – is a flowering plant that belongs to the mint family. These black or white seeds are extremely tiny measuring only 1mm. One of their amazing properties is that they can soak up to 12 times their weight in liquid which is why they are fabulous to use in smoothies and puddings as they thicken the base liquid by developing a gel-like coating. The seeds themselves have a very light nutty taste making them perfect to use as a thickening agent, with no impact on flavouring.
One of the reasons I adore these seeds is that they are whole grain, gluten-free and absolutely loaded with nutrients; for example:
- Fibre: 11 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are Omega-3’s)
- Calcium: 18% RDA
- Manganese: 30% RDA
- Magnesium: 30% RDA
- Phosphorus: 27% RDA
- They also have a decent amount of Zinc, Niacin (B3), Potassium, Thiamine (B1) & Vitamin B2
- 137 Calories with 1 gram of digestible carbohydrate
*Per 1oz (28g) Chia seeds. www.authoritynutrition.com
The health benefits of incorporating these seeds into your diet include: boosting energy, stabilizing blood sugar, aiding digestion and lowering cholesterol. I first started using Chia Seeds two years ago, and found that when I added the seeds to my diet, they kept me feeling fuller for longer and discouraged me from over snacking during the day.
For such a tiny seed, Chia Seeds are truly amazing, extremely versatile and easy to incorporate into your daily eating regime. The seeds can be added to bread, porridge, yoghurt, smoothies and soup, as well as sprinkled over salads or eaten on their own. The seeds are available to buy at The Organic Store in Nation Towers and Masdar City, Holland & Barrett (in Dalma Mall) and the Organic/Gluten free aisles of Lulu’s.
I have detailed below one of my own, favourite Chia Seed recipes.
Protein Power Breakfast:
½ tin of Organic Coconut Milk (you can also use almond or rice milk – reduce the amount of liquid as coconut milk has a thicker consistency).
10g Chia Seeds
Add to a bowl and stir well.
To the bowl add:
8-10 Organic Raspberries
10g Organic Cocoa Nibs.
10g Pumpkin Seeds
10 Almonds, skin on
Light drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Stir and leave in the fridge for 10 minutes to allow the Chia Seeds to swell and thicken the coconut milk. Then, devour…
Chia Seed & Berry Smoothie
1 ½ Cups Pure Apple Juice
1 cup Mixed Berries fresh or frozen
1 tablespoon Chia Seeds.
Allow the Chia Seeds to soak in the apple juice for 10 minutes or overnight in the fridge. Blend all the ingredients together until Smooth. Then Slurp!
Additional Recipes can be found on www.chiaseedsrecipes.com
