Sweet & Raw Chia Pudding

In my yogurt, my home made bread, in my cereal mix, in my smoothies …  I  add them to and top almost any dish that I dispatch. I’m talking about probably the most healthy food on the planet: chia seeds.

Chia seeds are the seeds from  the chia herb plant, which is native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. The ancient plant has been cultivated by the Aztecs and Mayan between the 14th to 16th centuries BC. Stories run that when Aztec warriors went to war, all they ate were chia seeds, giving them enough energy to conquer the enemy. This illustrates the energizing power of chia seeds.

Black chia seeds, known for their medicinal, energizing and beautifying powers.

The easy to digest, nutty flavored seeds derive their nutritional power mainly from the high value of omega-3 fatty acids,  of which the chia herb plant contains the most of all plants. Chia seeds contain more omega-3 fatty acids than many other omega-3 sources, including salmon. Moreover, they contain more protein than any other grain or seeds, making it a perfect addition to a vegetarian diet. Have I said yet that they are rich in fiber, iron, copper, manganese, niacin, magnesium, zinc , phosphorus, B vitamins, calcium (by weight more than milk) and anti-oxidants?

It would not be a surprise when I told you that chia seeds come with the next beautifying and medicinal powers:

• they balance the blood sugar level and therefor prohibit cravings;
• prevent heart and artery diseases;
• support heart health;
• reduce the risk on certain types of cancer;
• energize and boost metabolism, promoting weight loss (or maintaining your weight, depending on certain variables);
• fill you up and keep you full, but in a good way: they will not make you gain weihgt, as they will actually promote weight loss by absorbing water and expanding in your stomach;
• prevent premature skin aging;
• hydrate your body; i.e. your skin, treating dry and flaky skin and keeping your colon hydrated  and lubricated to ensure bowel movement;
• cleanse your colon and absorb toxins, which provides you with a clear skin;
• protect against inflammation;
• preserve muscle tissue;
• improve brain function.

Oh My Goodness Chia Pudding

Nutritional value per serving, in grams:

kcal 190 Fiber 11.8 Protein 4.04 Carbs 25.7 Fat 9.3 Sodium 21.9 mg

Ingredients

• 0.2 cup/4 tbs chia seeds
• 2 cups/450 ml rice milk
• 4 drops of Stevia
• 3 tsp ground cinnamon
• 6 sun dried figs, cubed
• optional: 2 tbs almond shavings

Enjoy!