November 09th, 2016

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have been a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries. The ancient civilizations believed that the chia seed provided supernatural powers. In Mayan, “chia” means “strength.” This probably has to do with the large amounts of energy provided by chia seeds. Ancient warriors attributed their stamina to this tiny seed. And there's no doubting chia it's is a nutritional powerhouse.  What’s really interesting about them is that they absorb 12 times their weight in fluid, to form a thick, gel like texture.  They also have more of the plant-based omega-3s than flax seeds. 

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds 

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels 
- The unique gelling action keeps you feeling full for hours, ensuring a steady, constant energy throughout     your day.  
- It contains complete protein and so is a perfect food to regulate your blood sugar levels.  
  But how does the Chia Seed help with this? Both the gelling action of the seed and its unique combination     of soluble and ​insoluble fiber combine to slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars. If you   eat chia with a meal, it will help you turn your food into constant, steady energy rather than a series of       ups and downs that wear you out. 

High Fibre 
- Promotes regular bowel movement 
  High in soluble and unsoluble fibres it helps keep foods slowly moving through the digestive system.   
- Help Prevent Diverticulitis / Diverticulosis 

Rich In Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids 
- Lower cholesterol and important for heart health.  It can also aid weight loss 

Antioxidant Rich 
Chia seeds are so high in antioxidants that they stay fresh for 2 years when kept at room temperature.  This amazing ability is unlike any other seed like flax and sesame seeds, b ecause they do not have the same anti-oxidant content 

High in Calcium 
By weight, chia has more calcium than whole milk. It also has magnesium and boron, essential trace minerals used in the absorption of calcium and other vitamins.   So sprinkle your foods with Chia to increase your calcium intake. 

​The Best News about Chia – it’s Flavourless! 
Chia seeds take on the taste of whatever you add them to. 
Because they hydrate they actually magnify the taste of anything they are added to. 

Cooking with Chia 
- Sprinke some on your breakfast cereal 
- Add 1 tlbsp to your favourite smoothie 
- Stir in to stews and soups to up the fibre content  
- Chia gel can substitute for half the butter in most recipes!  
  The food will bake the same and taste the same (or better) from the addition of the
  chia gel. Divide the amount of butter or oil in half, and then use the same amount of    chia     gel to fill in. Try them in your favourite cake or biscuit recipe. 

​THE BEST CHOC CHIP, MACADAMIA AND CHIA COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

• 80 grams premium dark chocolate chips
• 100 grams chopped activated macadamia nuts
• 100 grams of butter
• ⅓ cup of raw honey
• 1½ cups almond meal
• ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
• ½ teaspoon of carb soda
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1 egg

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius.
2. Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl
3. Melt the butter in a small saucepan on your stove top.
4. Remove from the heat and add the honey, vanilla and carb soda and whisk to combine.
5. Crack the egg into the butter and honey mixture and whisk briskly until a caramel consistency is achieved.
6. Pour the golden batter onto the dry ingredients, add the chocolate chips and fold together to form a biscuit dough.
7. Roll the dough into round balls then flatten into little disc shapes with your fingers.
8. Bake for approximately 8 minutes.
9. These biscuits can burn easily so underdone is preferred!

This recipe is adapted from the awesome ​http://agutfeeling.com.au/ Check out her page for a load of fantastic recipes and information.