Cleanse and nurture with chia seeds

Chia seeds are one of my favorite breakfast options especially when my digestive system needs a kick. In fact, one of the peculiarities of this tiny seed is that it can absorb up to 12 times its weight when mixed with liquids (or fats) and the gel that forms around is incredibly helpful in emptying the intestine.

Like many precious foods chia seeds was a staple in the Mayans and Aztecs’ diet that harvested it from the flowers of a plant that belongs to the mint family typical of the areas of Central America. Just 2 spoons of chia provide 14% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of calcium, a vitamin that is critical for bone health, and 23% RDI of magnesium, which helps regulate the nervous system, but also lots of phosphorus, zinc, fiber and protein. It also contains a good amount of the Omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce triglycerides in blood (the fat from food that circulates in our blood) and blood pressure helping prevent heart diseases.

Chia seeds are loaded with precious antioxidants but also protein and fibers.

The seeds are also loaded with powerful antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol, that fight inflammation, caffeic acid, which boosts athletic performance and increases the feeling of satiety helping with weight control, but also chlorogenic acid which plays a major role in controlling blood sugar level and insulin resistance.

Since they require very little preparation but they give puddings and beverages a nice viscosity I like to add them to both cold teas, like hibiscus, which I always have in my fridge during the summer, greek yogurt or my pre-work out puddings that I prep the night before by mixing one cup of clean and no bloat protein power, homemade almond milk with just one ingredient and honey and topping them with bananas or other fruits that pair well once ready. 

Try it and let us know what you think!