National Chia Seed Day

Tomorrow is National Chia Seed Day.  Have you ever had chia seeds?  Did you know they can be black or white?

Chia seeds come from the Salvia hispanic as a part of the mint family.  These tiny but powerful small seeds have been around since the Aztec and Mayan people.   

Can you guess why chia seeds have been around for such a long time?

If you guessed because they are highly nutritious you are correct!

Tiny chia seeds are hearty in fiber, protein and omega-3.  Furthermore, they have antioxidants and nutrients to help your bones.  Things like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Don’t forget the potassium!  It is actually amazing all the nutrients in these seeds.

You can find chia seeds in any grocery store.  You can use them for breakfast on avocado toast, overnight oatmeal or even in a muffin.  There are recipes for rolls, breads, cookies and all different kinds of puddings available.

Chia seeds are easy to eat and digest.  You may be surprised to learn that they don’t carry a distinct flavor and they blend very well in recipes.

Private Home Health Care would like to share an easy chia pudding recipe for 4 people.  We hope you try it and enjoy the pudding and all the nutrients you gain from the tiny chia seeds.

Pudding Ingredients:

• 1 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup plain low-fat (2%) Greek yogurt 
• 2 tbsp plus 4 teaspoons of pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ¼ cup chia seeds

Topping:  1 pint strawberries (hulled and chopped); ¼ cup sliced almonds

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl gently whisk almond milk, greek yogurt, 1 tbsp maple syrup and vanilla.
2. Whisk in the chia seeds and let stand for 30 minutes. Stir to distribute the seeds, cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. The next day, toss the berries with the 4 tsp maple syrup.  Mix in the almonds.
4. Spoon the pudding into 4 bowls or glasses.  Mound the berry mixture on top.
5. Enjoy!