Food Superheroes: The Almighty Chia Seed.

Superfoods have taken over the world.

Everywhere you turn, someone is proclaiming the wonders of a newly rediscovered ancient food.

I don't understand where they've been all these years, but whatever- they're back. There are like, a million new magical seeds and roots and juices that you absolutely must add to your oatmeal and frankly I don't blame you if you're a little overwhelmed trying to figure it all out.

Thank you, Dr Oz, for confusing all of us.

I trust that you've wholeheartedly embraced them all.  Well, good job. It's better than wholeheartedly embracing the cronut (I know I'm going to get some nasty comments for that).  I think it's great that you want to eat these wonderfully nutritious foods, but it's probably  good to know what you're instagramming.

You know,  in case someone were to ask you in real life and you can't search Google and post a reply a couple of minutes later. I mean in general it's just good to know why you're doing what you do, right? Well yes, I agree. So from time to time I'll try my best to drop some of my limited knowledge and share a recipe or two.

So let's chat 'bout one of my faves: the almighty chia seed.

The Chia Seed's #1 use in the 90's. This image will haunt my nightmares.

One serving contains 6 grams of fiber (22% of daily requirement), 3 grams of Omega-3 fatty acid,  3 grams of protein and only 70 calories. Woohoo!

So wait. What's that mean?

Omega 3 is an anti-inflammatory, and it's anti-cancer effects have been studied widely.  It's good for the ticker - studies have shown that it can reduce artery plaque buildup and blood clots and lower elevated triglyceride levels. It's known to ease the effects of rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and ADHD. Oh, and it's also excellent for the skin and hair. Sidenote: try adding some Omegas before you head off for your next Botox.

Fiber is essential for a healthy diet - you should be eating 20-30 grams a day (says those who know). It helps lower cholesterol levels, reduces risk of diabetes by slowing the absorption of sugar, is important for both digestive and heart health, makes you feel fuller faster, and is also great for the skin. Neat, right?

The high percentage of each in a clean food for not a lot of calories coupled with their versatility makes these one of my favorites. Chia seeds are basically tasteless - throw a tablespoon in your oatmeal, smoothie, or on a salad and you're good to go. One of my favorite snacks is Chia Seed Pudding.

Chia seeds

Triple Berry Chia Seed Pudding, from the wizards over at skinnytaste.com.  Get creative with your add ins and sweeteners - coconut, mango, pineapple, banana, hemp seeds, nuts- you name it, it probably works.

Servings: 2 • Size: about 1 cup • Old Points: 2 pts • Weight Watcher Points+: 2 pt
Calories: 110 • Fat: 5 g • Carb: 12 g • Fiber: 7.5 g • Protein: 4 g • Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 64 mg • Cholest: 0 mg

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond/coconut milk beverage (used Almond Breeze)


• 3/4 cup fresh blueberries, blackberries and raspberries


• 2 tbsp chia seeds


• 5-6 drops Nu-Naturals liquid stevia (or sugar/honey to taste)

Directions:

Combine the milk together with the chia seeds and fruit in a glass jar with a lid. Cover and shake well, set aside for 15 minutes. Give it another good shake then refrigerate overnight or at least 5-6 hours.