Chia Seeds and Chia Cacao squares

Chia flowering plant and Chia seeds

Having eaten more Chia seeds in thbout past 4 days than i have in my life i decided to investigate more about these little wonder foods.

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) originate from the central Americas, loves the heat and can virtually grow in the desert as beautiful blue or white flowers! These little seeds are the highest known plant source of Omega-3, with 8 times more omega-3 than salmon! (Mmmm... Salmon). This important Essential Fatty Acid is also found in Flaxseed or fish oil however it is in a highly stable form in Chia seeds due to its powerful naturally occurring antioxidants.

Chia is an easy way to add healthy nutrition to your daily diet, with Vitamins A, B12 and C, complete protein (18 Amino Acids), minerals including potassium, phosphorous, folate, zinc, iron, and calcium as well as bowel-regulating soluble and insoluble fibre.

Here are some take home comparisons for the nutritional benefits of Chia seeds...

• 7x more vitamin C than oranges
• 6x more fibre than oat bran
• 5x more calcium than milk
• 4x higher ORAC (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity/Antioxidants) than Blueberries
• 3x more iron than Spinch
• 2x more potassium than bananas
• 100% nutrition!!

No wonder Chia seeds are Superfoods!! They come under the headings of vegan, raw, gluten free and dairy free.

Suggested Uses: Chia seeds are best used when soaked such as in milk or water, otherwise they can dehydrate the body as they absorb our fluids to expand into little jelly like balls which resemble frogs eggs! They can also be sprinkled on salads, muesli, oatmeal, stirfrys, smoothies, muffin or bread batter, or cereal as they are relatively flavourless. Optional: use a spice/coffee grinder to make a fine meal-like consistency.

Recipes: 

Chia Gel – Mix 1 tbsp with 1 cup of water, wait 10 minutes until it swells.
Consume 1 tsp – can refrigerate up to 3 weeks in airtight container.

Chia Water – add 1 tsp into your 1 Litre water bottle – frogs eggs!

Raw Chia Cacao Squares

Blend in food processor:

1/4 Pesticide Free Chia seeds, 

1 cup organic pepitas, 

1 cup raw organic macadamias, 

1/2 cup organic sesame seeds, 

1/2 cup organic sunflower seeds, 

1/2 cup organic shredded coconut & 

1/4 cup Cacao Powder.

When dry ingredients are processed, add 

1/2 cup organic maple syrup, 

1/4 cup organic coconut oil & 

1 cup raw organic macadamia butter. 

Blend until ingredients come together, then press into lightly oiled 9x3 glass cake pan. Chill for several hours, cut into squares and serve.

(Adapted from Jessica Nazarali's "Live Healthy Simply" blog)