Art of Being Healthy

6 Reasons Why You Should Eat Chia

These tiny raw, gluten-free, vegan seeds outperform more well known ‘healthy’ foods. They are jam packed full of minerals, omega 3 fats, antioxidants, fiber and are a complete source of protein.

Why should you eat chia now? Because just 2 tablespoons of chia seeds has:

Five times the amount of calcium in milk (plus boron which helps you absorb it)
Three times the amount of antioxidants in blueberries
Three times the amount of iron in spinach
Three times the amount of fiber in oatmeal
Two times the amount of protein of any other bean, seed or grain
Two times the amount of potassium in a banana

Because chia seeds expand up to 3 times their original size when wet and have such a high fiber content (great for regularity!), they can help you eat less and stay full longer by bulking up your meals and crowding out fat, sugar and calories (great for weight loss!). Consuming chia seeds increase energy and endurance (great for runners!). They also help your body rebuild muscle after exercise and during and post pregnancy. Chia seeds have more Omega 3’s and a much longer shelf life than flax (and can be substituted in any recipe for flax).

While there are countless ways to incorporate chia into your daily meals, add to oatmeal, smoothies, etc. Here is one particularly delicious (and easy!) dessert that you can feel great about eating.

Chai Chia Pudding (Serves 6)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup unsweetened almond (or coconut) milk
5 pitted Medjool dates
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except chia seeds in a high-speed blender and whirl on high until smooth. Whisk liquid into chia seeds in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Place in fridge for 1-2 hours, until thick or overnight. ENJOY!

Source: mindbodygreen.com