Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.)

-
Gaining popularity as superfoods, chia seeds are one of the richest sources of antioxdiants, plant-based omega 3, plant-based protein and fiber.

Incredible properties of chia were highly appreciated by many cultures. They originally come from Mexico, where people even used them as money, because of their nutritional and medicinal value. Chia seeds are also known to have been used during by Aztec warriors, due to energy it provides and by Maya, for instance as a sacrifice in religious rites. Even the name ‘chia’, ‘strenght’ in Mayan, suggests it’s power.

Thanks to scientific researches, nowadays we know that chia have anti-cancer properties (due to antioxidants), can help to prevent heart and circulatory diseases and control blood sugar (according to high content of fiber and fatty acids).

Because of the fact that they are almost flavorless, these seeds can be used in virtually every type of cuisine as an additive, but they also occur as the main ingridient, for example in chia puddings.

BASIC CHIA PUDDING

Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients:
  • 6 Tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 Tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • seasonal fruit, nuts or seeds for topping
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. In a bowl, mix chia seeds, milk, vanilla and maple syrup.
  2. When the mixture is well combined, let it sit for 5 minutes, give it another stir (to break up any clumps of seeds), cover and put in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
  3. Once your pudding is ready to serve, divide it between two bowls, top with fruit, seeds, nuts and enjoy :)




Komentarze

  1. englishdiary23 października 2017 12:53

    I quite like chia pudding and I make it pretty often. The trick is not to forget about it during the first 30 minutes of soaking because it gets lumpy very fast.
    Someone has told me recently that we shouldn't eat more than two spoonfuls of chia seeds a day because it can literally block our bowels like cement. Is it true?

    OdpowiedzUsuń
    Odpowiedzi
    1. Unknown23 października 2017 13:21

      The main contradiction to eating a lot of Chia seeds is the fact that they contain a lot of fiber and ALA, that's why they should not be eaten too often. However, opinions in this matter are divided (e.g. FDA told that Chia seeds are absolutely safe, but European Food Safety Authority claims that you should consult a doctor before introducing Chia to your diet). The recommended dose of Chia seeds is said to be 2-4 spoonfuls per day (experts argue about that, but no one has proven that 4 spoonfuls can be dangerous). And about "blocking our bowels", I've read that there was only one case of such aliment: a young man in America ate more than 100 grams of Chia seeds at once before any sports event what made him end up in hospital, but such evenements are not very common and in this case, as usual, moderation is the key.

      Usuń
  2. MajaAnd13 listopada 2017 02:45

    How often should I eat chia for positive effects in my health?

    OdpowiedzUsuń

Prześlij komentarz

Popularne posty z tego bloga

Would you like to work in the Madarin Oriental?

-
I would not like to work in this hotel because I do not think that I could find common ground with people who come there. They come from a very eccentric entourage with a specific hierarchy of priorities. In my opinion most of guests place money in the foreground and believe that if you are rich you can get almost everything. My attitude is actually an opposite - I claim that there is plenty of things that are more valuable. The Mandarin Oriental is not a place for me because I do not think that I could get on well with its guests.
Czytaj więcej

Ginger root

-
Obraz
Ginger's been known in many cultures for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can significantly improve immunity. Used in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms, for example it can prevent motion sickness or morning sickness during pregnancy. Ginger also enhances nutrient absorption. It can reduce various types of muscle pain, e.g. muscle soreness and is also said to significantly relieve menstrual cramps. Due to a high volatile acids (antibacterial and antiviral) content, it strengthens the body's defence mechanisms. Personally, I use ginger most often when I'm sick, as it helps fight infections. Next to the volatile acids, it contains a lot of vitamin C and minerals. The easiest way to use it (especially when you're sick and do not have energy to do anything more advanced) is making ginger infused water - some people call it 'ginger tea'.. However, to extract as much as possible from the root, eat it with a high-protein meal. https://www.livestrong.c
Czytaj więcej

Taste the World Festival

-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00082dp The podcast is a relation from a culinary event where music and dance play an important role. It shows an amazing relation between food and culture if various ethnic groups from different parts of the world. In today's world, in the era of globalization, we can try different countries' cuisine without travelling further than to the city centre. It is an amazing opportunity to broaden one's cultural horizons and eat some delicious and extraordinary foods. However, I think it would be a huge loss for us if we gave up all the historical and sometimes even philosophical aspects of ethnic food. Originally, the process of preparing a dish might have been long and complexed and many 'oriental' restaurants, omnipresent in the streets of most western cities, just deprive their meals of the initial meaning and just play with foreign spices. Obviously, it does not mean that all the things we eat have to be authentic and have a spirit
Czytaj więcej