Being a new year, I wanted to start out with a new look on the site and a new post! Yes, a new post to start out a great year full of recipes, information and fun.
For the past month I have been faithfully drinking a special cocktail for many great health benefits. In Mexico they call it Chia Fresca, I call it Chia seeds in water.
I know what you’re thinking and I can say I thought all the same things. I am not a person who enjoys lumps of any kind in my drinks, pudding or soups. I gag at the mere thought some times, so this was a true leap of faith for me to try.
For my first attempt, I got a cup full of water and a tablespoon of seeds, mixed them all together and let them sit. They sat and sat and sat on my counter. I would look at it from time to time, even moving it from the counter to the window sill. I guess I figured the sun light my help make it more appealing. It sat for two days before I finally, without really thinking, just grabbed the glass and drank it fast. It truly wasn’t all that bad! I didn’t gag, or for that matter even really taste anything. The little gelatinous seeds slid down without really being noticed at all. My kids all got queasy when they realized what I had done. But to tell you the truth, if they think it is bad then I don’t have to share!
Of course I didn’t just stop at the drink. I started to add Chia seeds to many of my recipes. The one most popular, even with the kids, are the smoothies in the morning. They were always complaining that smoothies didn’t keep them full for very long. Not a problem anymore!
I tried adding unsoaked seeds to pancakes once, that didn’t fly to well. They all thought I left egg shells in the batter and didn’t want to eat anymore. When they forget the experience I will try adding soaked seeds to the batter.
Why would I go through all this trouble to add these little “Chia Pet” seeds to my food? The health benefits are numerous, they are easy to hide in recipes and my family gets huge benefits without trying to convince them it’s good for them.
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds include but not limited to:
- Supports heart health with one of the highest levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in a plant source.
- 1 oz contains 4 gm of protein and 11 gm of fiber
- Stabilizes blood sugar so you don’t have the mid day slump
- Is a complete protein so it will aid in raising your energy levels all day
- High in anti-oxidants to fight aging free radicals
- Helps cut cravings for food by balancing your vitamins and minerals
- Is an Anti-Inflammatory, because of the omega oils, many arthritis suffers get relief from the lubrication of the joints thereby reducing pain and swelling.
- Detoxification and elimination due to the swelling action of the seeds.
- Keeps you feeling full longer (unless you’re a 15 year old going through puberty) to aid in weight loss
If I have convinced you to try Chia seeds, great. If I have not, I encourage you to learn more about them. They are an inexpensive way to get the much need nutrition in a day and age when our food is providing less of it.
Chia Fresca
8 oz. cold drinking water
½ lemon, juiced
enough sugar to sweeten (I use natural rock sugar)
1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
Mix all ingredients together and let sit for 10 -15 minutes. Give it another stir and drink.
One Comment
shannon
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