Chia seed pudding is a good option for breakfast or as a delicious healthy dessert. On their own, chia seeds are almost tasteless, which makes them very versatile in terms of flavour. However, some people just do not like the look (frog spawn) or texture (slimy) in which case you might try blending the mix before leaving to set.
Use cacao/coco or carob powder for a chocolate flavour, or go with berries, mango or pineapple for a fruit pudding. Add coconut or other nut milk for a creamy pudding. Add cinnamon or other spices, or use fruit juice instead of water. Experiment! Find what you like in terms of consistency, texture and taste.
Make the night before for following morning. Makes 2 servings.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon of milled flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon of shelled hemp seeds (Linwoods are nice)
- ¼ cup of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts)
- 1 cup of water (use coconut or other nut milk for a creamy texture)
- 1 cup of berries
- 1 banana
Directions:
- Blend water, berries, banana, chopped nuts and seeds
- Add chia seeds and blend on the lowest setting for a few seconds. If you don’t have a blender, mash everything together by hand.
- Divide the mixture between two bowls or containers.
- Leave to sit overnight.
About Chia seeds
Chia seeds are rich in soluble fibre, which can help to stabilize blood sugar and regulate blood cholesterol. Similar to Psyllium husks and flax seeds, chia seeds are high in mucilage, meaning they become mucilaginous, or gelatinous, when dissolved in water. The mucilaginous gloop is very soothing to the mucous membranes of the the digestive tract. It helps to reduce inflammation and repair damaged tissue. Mucilage can absorb metabolic waste and toxins within the digestive tract which can then be efficiently eliminated via the bowels. Chia seeds are a great addition to the diet if you suffer from constipation, diverticulosis, IBS or similar conditions.
It’s important to sip water throughout the day when consuming Chia seeds. Their high mucilage content means they absorb fluids within the body. If you are low on fluids there is a possibility the mucilage could harden into a dry plug resulting in constipation.
Use one tablespoon of Chia seeds mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (let sit for 5 minutes) as an egg replacement in any baked recipes.
Related Posts: Dietary Fibre
For an in-depth article on Chia seeds read: Chia Seed – The Ancient Food of the Future, by William Anderson.