Chia seeds are one of nature’s superfoods.
These small but mighty seeds contain protein, fibre, calcium, anti-oxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. They absorb up to 14 times their weight in water and form a gel that is perfect for both puddings.
I’ve been reading about how important omega-3s are for overall health. They can help lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, alleviate joint inflammation in rheumatoid disease, nourish brain and eye functions, and even help prevent or manage conditions like dementia, depression, asthma, migraines, diabetes, heart disease, and ischemic stroke. Omega-3 is something women should be taking more of as their hormones change.
A diet high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of many diseases (including heart disease and certain cancers). Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body cells and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation.
When making your batch a good guide is 3 tablespoons of seeds per cup of liquid. Soak overnight for best results.
Vary The Ingredients:
You are only limited by your creative imagination. Below are some ideas I have tried and loved, it’s pretty hard to get this easy pudding wrong if you start off with the varieties you love.
- Medjool dates or Honey for the sweet tooth friends. Otherwise, there is enough sweetness in your favourite fruits
- Dairy or Non-dairy milk of your choice. I’ve used water to soak the seeds and then just added yoghurt for the creamy texture.
- Chia seeds, I also add in hemp seeds and flax seeds.
- Protein Powder for extra support for muscle growth and recovery.
- Some chopped nuts for some extra crunch.
- Mushroom Powder. Yes! The Mighty Mushrooms have many benefits. In powdered form, there is little to no taste just an added power booster.
This colour combination is perfect for Christmas. For a Green Base Use:
- Spinach
- Matcha powder
- Green Powder
For the Chocolate Fans, replace the Green with Cocoa powder.
Pumpkin puree is more delicious than it sounds.
- Add ½ tsp ground cinnamon,
- 1 pinch ground ginger, and
- 1 pinch ground cloves.
You can’t go wrong with the good ol Blueberry.