Chia-Goji “Pudding”

I was soaking chia seeds and goji berries for my smoothie but when I went to put it in, it looked like pudding to me so I tried it, and it was surprisingly delicious. It had just the right amount of sweetness. I ended up eating just that by itself and no need for the smoothie. My 3 year old also loved it. I was thinking it would be a great addition to Healthy Kids Snacks.

I’ll start off with the recipe, then tell you about the benefits so while your waiting for the seeds to soak, you can read all the benefits you are about to put in your body by eating these amazing super foods

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbs. goji berries
• 2 Tbs. chia seeds
• Enough coconut water, or filtered water to cover the seeds completely, they will expand and absorb all the liquid.

Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in a small bowl or cup.
2. Let sit for 30 minutes or longer and ENJOY

Note: You can play with the flavors, even add some nuts, berries, and any other super food you like

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have been a staple food source for the Native American people for centuries. Aztec warriors would eat chia during hunting trips, and the Native Americans of the Southwest would eat only chia seed mixed with water as they ran from the Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean to trade products. Recently, the press has picked up on Chia and its amazing attributes.

Nutrients Contained:

• This is a perfect food containing essential fatty acids, protein, as well as being a soluble fiber.
• Omega-3s
• Fiber
• Antioxidants
• Calcium
• B-vitamins
• Boron
• The seeds and oil naturally contain more than 60% omega-3 fatty acid. This is higher than any other plant we know. Chia seeds do not have to be ground up prior to consumption like many other seeds high in good fats, which adds a convenience factor.
• Protein; it is estimated that between 19–23 percent of the seed by weight is protein. This is higher than most other seeds and grains. Combining the good fats with an excellent source of protein make this a dieter’s dream.
• Chia contains vitamin C and vitamin E but also has something named cinnamic acids. It is believed that these three (especially the cinnamic acid) help preserve the seeds and, more importantly, protect the good fats from oxidizing (going bad). This is why chia is a stable product for years.

Chia can absorb up to 30 times its weight in water. This also works with other liquids like juices. This ability can prolong hydration (i call it having time-released water) and retain electrolytes in body fluids, especially during exertion or exercise. A 15 gram serving of chia seeds can provide you with 4-5 grams of fiber.

Benefits:

The nutritional profile of chia is amazing. Here are just a few benefits:

• Weight loss and blood sugar control
• Heart disease
• Bone health
• Digestive disorders

Helpful for the following conditions:

• Weight loss
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Bone health
• Digestive disorders

How to take it/ Dosage: Chia should be considered part of your everyday diet and not a supplement. It has virtually no flavor so you can add it to almost any food or drink. 2-4 Tbs. per day is a dose that many people take.

Side Effects: none known

 

Goji Berries

These red berries grow on vines in the protected valleys of inner Mongolia and Tibet.  Goji berries have many interesting legends associated with them, particularly Chinese.

Nutrients Contained:

Goji berries provide overall nourishment by providing an amazing number of rich nutrients; the number of nutrients that it contains by way of amino acids, vitamins, polysaccharides, HGH (human growth hormone), are too many to be listed, here is a short list:

• Very rich source of vitamin C, having 500 times more vitamin C per ounce than oranges and more than any other fruit.
• They are a superb source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E
• Full complement of protein with 18 amino acids
• 21 trace minerals
• More antioxidants than any other food
• More iron than steak
• More beta-carotene than carrots

Benefits: An important thing to remember is that goji berries should not be used to treat illness but to prevent it from occurring.

• Increases immunity
• Protects liver
• Improves eyesight
• Improves quality of blood
• Prevent aging
• Goji berries improve the quality of life
• Improves circulation
• Beneficial for prostate
• Said to reduce LDL cholesterol levels
• Reduce joint problems
• Promote general feeling of well being
• Enhances libido and improve sex life
• Very rich source of antioxidants.
• Helps improve vision and eyesight.
• Goji berries are known to aid the production of choline, which stops the production of free radicals
• Prevents degeneration of the brain due to diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
• Also known to protect the arteries from narrowing down due to build up of plaque along the walls, which can cause heart related diseases.

How to take it/ Dosage:

Goji berries should be soaked a few minutes in filtered water and washed before consuming. They are often dried and eaten as raisins. You can add to smoothies, granola/ trail mix, and salads. They can be added to tea or soups to make them healthier. Goji berries can also be blended into smoothies, juices, or added to other recipes to strengthen them. *An average amount it 1 Tbs. a day 

Side Effects:

• If you are on medications, especially for blood thinning, diabetes, and blood pressure drugs; consult your doctor before taking.
• Prolonged large intake of tea has been reported to increase bleeding in a few cases, that means use in moderation and take breaks.
• If you have bee pollen allergies, you may want to avoid taking Goji berries.

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