23 Oct What’s So Special About Chia Seeds?

Chia is the ancient Mayan word for strength. That says a lot about these little seeds called Chia seeds. Since ancient times Chia seeds have been valued for their potent energy-sustaining nourishment and the Aztecs used them to keep up their stamina when they went on long journeys. These little pods of potent nutrition have recently been gaining ground as one of the most loved superfoods on the block.

We decided to bring you our article on these wonderful little seeds again, as we are excited about some new products that bring you the super-powers of Chia in yet more ways you can enjoy their benefits.

Our New Chia Products

Superfoods Oaty Chia Meal Vanilla

Superfoods Oaty Chia Meal Vanilla – R500g – R191

Packed with the power of six superfoods, this breakfast porridge mix is the perfect start to the day, quick to prepare and delicious! Mixed with organic oats for slow releasing energy, lucuma, hemp seeds, mesquite, maca and goji berries this is truly a super start to any day that the whole family will love.

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Superfoods Oaty Chia Meal Chocolate

Superfoods Oaty Chia Meal Chocolate – 500g – R191

Packed with the power of eight superfoods, this breakfast porridge mix is the perfect start to the day, quick to prepare and delicious! With the creamy smoothness of Lucuma and the chocolate boost of Raw Cacao, and mixed with organic oats for slow releasing energy, hemp seeds, mesquite, maca and goji berries this is truly a super start to any day.

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Truefood Chia & Flax Meal and Oil Combo

Truefood Chia & Flax Meal and Oil Combo

This is an awesome combo offering of two new superfood products from the Absolute Organix Truefood range, that feature the first South African grown Chia seeds. The Chia and Flax meal is a high-fibre, protein-rich meal that can be used in grain-free baking, or added to smoothies and porridges. The Chia and Flax oil is wonderful as a salad dressing, drizzled over vegetables, as a daily supplement or even in smoothie mixes. Both Chia and Flax are great sources of Omega-3 ALA, high in fibre, mineral content and have high levels of protein.

What’s So Special?

Chia’s outperform even Flax seeds in omega-3 content and are almost a complete food, providing essential protein, fats and carbohydrates, as well as a wide array of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Chia seeds are packed with potent anti-oxidants, aid the digestive system and help to stabilise blood sugar. The combination of essential fats, fibre and protein make Chia’s an excellent food for improving endurance and fitness. They also have the ability to help keep the body hydrated and electrolytes balanced. All of this with minimal calories, making Chia seeds a good choice if you are trying to lose weight.

Primal Chow Banting Smartbread Premix Chia & Flax

How To Eat Them

Chia seeds are very easy to add to your diet because they don’t have a very strong flavor. They are an easy nutritious food to use for raw cuisine too. When you soak them they swell up 9 to 10 times their size and become gel-like. This gel is very healing and soothing for your gut, and also makes you feel full for longer, which is key to sustained energy.

Vegan Super-Smoothie Essentials Blend

You can use them to thicken smoothies and puddings, or in baking. They are mostly eaten soaked as they are the most filling and soothing for your tummy this way. They can also be sprouted.

Because of their gel-like consistency you can use them as a nifty and effective Vegan egg replacement when you bake:

Vegan Chia Egg Substitute

Superfoods Organic Chia Meal

To make a substitute for 1 egg:

• 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds
• 3 Tablespoons Water

Grind the seeds to a meal using a food processor or mortar and pestle. Soak the meal in the water for 10 minutes or so, and viola! You have one Vegan Egg you can use in your baking or smoothies.

This same effect makes it great to make some really yummy Vegan dishes too:

Vegan Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

La Mandorle Almond Milk Natural Flavour

A super delicious and creamy, silky chocolate delight!

You will need:

• 1 ½ cups Almond Milk (you can make it yourself too, see here)
• 1/3 cup Chia seeds
• ¼ cup cacao powder
• 5-9 pitted dates
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

How to:

• Add all the ingredients except the dates to a mixing bowl and give it a good whisk
• Leave in the fridge for 5 hours or so, or overnight
• Once it has a pudding-like consistency, add it along with the dates to a blender and blend until its smooth
• Serve chilled with some delicious toppings such as fruit or coconut whipped cream

(adapted from the Minimalist Baker at http://minimalistbaker.com/overnight-chocolate-chia-seed-pudding/)

Vegan Chia Oatmeal

A great nutritious Raw &Vegan breakfast idea

You will need:

• ¾ cup almond milk
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 1tbsp Chia seeds
• 2 tsp raw honey
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Dried berries
• 1 thinly sliced banana
• Slivered almonds

Leafy Greens Raw Stoneground Chia Cashew Butter

How to:

• Combine the Almond milk, oats, chia seeds, honey, vanilla and dried fruit in a bowl or mason jar
• Stir well and cover and put in the fridge for 5 hours, or overnight
• Top with the banana and almond slivers and serve

(adapted from the recipe at: http://www.chatelaine.com/recipe/healthy-recipes/overnight-chia-oatmeal-recipe/)

For some more savoury chia meal options, take a look here: http://www.allanstime.com/Health/Edna/Recipes/Chia/index.html

Chia Seeds are as super-nutritious and sustaining today as they were in the time of the Aztecs, more strength to you!