Wednesday's Super Food: Chia!

That’s right! Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!
As in the pet you grew as a kid..

A seed, a sprout, a super grain: chia seeds are loaded with short-chain omega-3 fatty acids. They are also an excellent source of calcium, copper, zinc, iron phosphorus, potassium, anti-oxidants and tons of protein!



“According to Dr. Vuksan, a leading researcher on functional foods and diabetes at the University of Toronto, chia has great health potential. He has found that three and a half ounces of Salba™, a commercial variety of chia developed by Salba Research and Development Inc. in Toronto, contain the same amount of omega-3 fats as 28 ounces of Atlantic salmon, as much calcium as three cups of milk and as much vitamin C as seven oranges!” [McGill University]




Chia seeds have been proven to be beneficial for Type II Diabetics, reducing inflammation and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and arthritis.

Coming from the plant Salvia hispanica, chia is a member of the mint family and is claimed to be the highest source of fibre on the planet.

So what do you do with it?
Sprinkle on cereal, salads, soup or add it to your baking You can also sprout the grain (the fur on the chia pet!) and use it in sandwiches and salads.

Here’s a great summer chia recipe.
Perfect when the temperature is Haitch. Oh. Tee.


Orange Chia Dream Pops
[From Clean Eating Magazine]

"These pops pack more then 600mg of omega-3s!”

Ingredients:
½ C frozen organic 100% organic orange juice concentrate, slightly defrosted
2 Tbsp whole white chia seeds
1 navel orange
1 cup of strained natural plain yogurt
¼ cup agave
1 tsp pure vanilla
1 vanilla bean

Place juice is a small mixing bowl. Whisk in seeds and allow to stand for 15 minutes. Mixture will thicken slightly and seeds will partially dissolve.

Segment oranges to remove bitter membrane, seeds and skin. Chop segments into ¼ inch pieces and set aside (about ½ cup)

Pour mixture into a blender or a food processor and blend for 10-15 seconds. Mixture will still have grains visible Add yogurt, agave, and vanilla extract. Using a small paring knife, slice vanilla bean lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds and add to the food processor. Cover and puree another 30 seconds

Pour mixture evenly into Popsicle molds and freeze until firm (about 4-6 hours). Best if eaten in 2-3 days.



YUM!

I'm getting my wisdom teeth yanked today so I'll be away from this space, sucking on chia pops, until Friday.

Happy Hump Day!