Ch..Ch..Ch..Chia! It’s time to talk about those little seeds that have been used to grow the hair on SpongeBob and Obama style chia pets: chia seeds!
Chia seeds have a lot more potential than your average decorative fixture. Keep reading to find out why.
History of Chia Seeds
Yep, those same seeds that are used for the growing of “hair” on Chia Pets have been used by the Aztecs for years. It is said that Native Americans of the south could subside on chia seeds during battles and wars.
Chia Seeds for Energy & Hydration
The Aztec messengers used to carry chia seeds on their runs when they delivered messages. That’s how much energy these little gems pack.
The reason chia seeds are so useful for runners and athletes is that they are capable of absorbing 9 times their volume in water.
You can make “chia gel” by combining 1 part chia seeds with 9 parts water. The chia seeds gel up as they absorb water.
Chia Seeds For Fiber
Chia seeds, once soaked, make for an awesome source of fiber. You can include chia gel in your smoothies for extra fiber and energy.
Eating more chia seeds helps to cleanse the digestive tract and can also help with elimination. Not to mention that chia seeds are a great way to bulk up a not so filling meal. After eating chia seeds you can feel satisfied for hours.
Chia Seeds For Omega’s
Chia seeds are high in Omega 3′s – even higher than flax seeds. They are the highest vegetable source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
These fatty acids and oils are useful for absorbing fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Chia seeds are also helpful in absorbing calcium, which is important for vegetarians and vegans.
Chiapioca: Chia Seed Pudding
Chia seeds are fairly tasteless and can be added to tons of different meals including salad dressings, smoothies, and breakfasts. My favorite is pudding!
Tapioca pudding is great, but have you ever heard of chiapioca pudding? It’s a delicious raw pudding made from chia seeds.
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Chia Seeds
- 1 1/2 Cups Nut Milk of Choice (I like Almond Milk)
- Dash of vanilla
- Raw honey or stevia to sweeten
- Decorate with Kiwi slice (optional)
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a mason jar or other glass container.
- Shake well to ensure Chia seeds are submerged in the nut milk.
- Store in refrigerator overnight. The Chia seeds will soak up the water and become chewy just like tapioca.
- Serve in a tall glass with a straw and slurp up! Or, serve in individual bowls with a spoon and enjoy your energetic feast.
This recipe will store in the fridge for a few days, so feel free to make a big batch and eat a little each day.
This recipe is from my free “28 Desserts You Can Eat Every Day” ebook. Grab your copy now.
Want More Chia Goodness?
If you want to learn more about the chia seed, you can read Chia: Rediscovering a Forgotten Crop of the Aztecs
Yum yum good for you chia goodness.
{ 30 comments }
I am so slow! I didn't even make the connection between the chia seeds in my kitchen and chia pets!
Hi Sally! I know what you mean! I have been seeing chia pet commercials forever… and when I heard about chia seeds I didn't know what to make of the chia pets anymore. ;)
Nathalie! This is brilliant! I am a sucker for bubble tea and chia seeds look much healthier than tapioca. Hope I'll find it in Fairway market. Thanks for sharing!
You're very welcome Annie. I am a sucker for bubble tea too – and chia seeds have been the best replacement. Though keep in mind they are smaller than the bubble tea tapioca we're used to it. :)
You're very welcome Annie. I am a sucker for bubble tea too – and chia seeds have been the best replacement. Though keep in mind they are smaller than the bubble tea tapioca we're used to it. :)
You're very welcome Annie. I am a sucker for bubble tea too – and chia seeds have been the best replacement. Though keep in mind they are smaller than the bubble tea tapioca we're used to it. :)
You're very welcome Annie. I am a sucker for bubble tea too – and chia seeds have been the best replacement. Though keep in mind they are smaller than the bubble tea tapioca we're used to it. :)
Wow, that sounds so interesting. I have always loved tapioca pudding and bubble tea. I've been hearing lately (in the novel I'm reading) about chia seeds and I had no idea they were so good for you! I'll have to look for them at Whole Foods.
Wow, that sounds so interesting. I have always loved tapioca pudding and bubble tea. I've been hearing lately (in the novel I'm reading) about chia seeds and I had no idea they were so good for you! I'll have to look for them at Whole Foods.
I am so slow! I didn't even make the connection between the chia seeds in my kitchen and chia pets!
Hi Sally! I know what you mean! I have been seeing chia pet commercials forever… and when I heard about chia seeds I didn't know what to make of the chia pets anymore. ;)
Nathalie! This is brilliant! I am a sucker for bubble tea and chia seeds look much healthier than tapioca. Hope I'll find it in Fairway market. Thanks for sharing!
You're very welcome Annie. I am a sucker for bubble tea too – and chia seeds have been the best replacement. Though keep in mind they are smaller than the bubble tea tapioca we're used to it. :)
Sometimes I would drink a glass of chia seeds and water. I never actually MADE anything out of them before. Thanks for the idea!
Wow, that sounds so interesting. I have always loved tapioca pudding and bubble tea. I've been hearing lately (in the novel I'm reading) about chia seeds and I had no idea they were so good for you! I'll have to look for them at Whole Foods.
Wow it's so cool that you're hearing about chia seeds from a novel you're reading. Mind if I ask which one? :) They're definitely a fun thing to experiment with!
You're welcome Carla. I sometimes “eat” chia seeds in water because I don't have time to make something… funny to be switching roles like that. ;)
Sometimes I would drink a glass of chia seeds and water. I never actually MADE anything out of them before. Thanks for the idea!
The book is called Always Coming Home by Ursula K. Le Guin. Chia seeds have been mentioned mostly as things that are tiny, I think, but also as things travelers carry with them.
Thanks for sharing, it looks like a fascinating book! :)
Wow it's so cool that you're hearing about chia seeds from a novel you're reading. Mind if I ask which one? :) They're definitely a fun thing to experiment with!
You're welcome Carla. I sometimes “eat” chia seeds in water because I don't have time to make something… funny to be switching roles like that. ;)
The book is called Always Coming Home by Ursula K. Le Guin. Chia seeds have been mentioned mostly as things that are tiny, I think, but also as things travelers carry with them.
Thanks for sharing, it looks like a fascinating book! :)
Nathalie, I just wanted to let you you know that I love your blog and get a lot of inspiration from you. I hope you don't mind, but I linked you in my post today. Keep up all the great work. Hope you are rockin' 2010!
Nathalie, I just wanted to let you you know that I love your blog and get a lot of inspiration from you. I hope you don't mind, but I linked you in my post today. Keep up all the great work. Hope you are rockin' 2010!
Hi Carla! Thank you so much, and I love that you linked to my blog – that's always appreciated. :)
Keep on rocking the green juice and all the best in 2010! :D
Hi Carla! Thank you so much, and I love that you linked to my blog – that's always appreciated. :)
Keep on rocking the green juice and all the best in 2010! :D
Hi Carla! Thank you so much, and I love that you linked to my blog – that's always appreciated. :)
Keep on rocking the green juice and all the best in 2010! :D
Chia seeds have been used for thousands of years ever since the Mayans incorporated them into their diet. It is well-known for its ability to stave off hunger. They used to be quite abundant, but after the Spanish Conquest the number diminished. Most people outside of Central America have never heard of it, but it is becoming more popular.
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