Chia WHAT?

When I think of the word CHIA, it is always accompanied by PET, as in what I consider the greatest scam in the history of mass marketing.  I never personally owned a Chia Pet, and doubt if I know anyone who will admit to owning one, but they must have sold billions of them over the years.

It had never occurred to me that eating chia seeds might actually be good for you.

Chia Seeds Facts

• 3x more iron than spinach
• 3-5x more calcium than milk
• 8x more omega-3 than salmon
• 15x more antioxidants than blueberries

More Chia Seeds Benefits

• Help control appetite and balance blood sugar
• Help prevent diverticulitis and diverticulosis
• Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
• Can be used for baking as a butter substitute
• Control sugar cravings and aids in weight loss
• Provide fiber, protein, antioxidants and minerals
• They are affordable and chemical-free
• Improve memory, mood and overall energy
• Improve health of skin, nails and hair
• Are a mineral powerhouse and great detoxifier

This whole post got started when someone sent me a vegan recipe for Chia Seed Pudding:

Irresistible Pudding Recipes-

Chia-Seed Pudding
CONTRIBUTED BY GRACE PARISI
As chia seeds soak in almond milk, they create a tapioca-like pudding.
ACTIVE:TOTAL TIME: 15 MIN PLUS 4 HR CHILLING
SERVINGS: 4
Ingredients

2 1/2 cups almond milk
3 tablespoons agave nectar
1/2 cup chia seeds (3 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon finely grated
lemon zest

In a 1-quart jar, combine the almond milk with the agave nectar. Close the
jar and shake to combine. Add the chia seeds and lemon zest to the jar, then
close and shake well.

Refrigerate until very thick and pudding-like, at least 4 hours or overnight, shaking or stirring occasionally.

Serve the pudding in bowls.
MAKE AHEAD
The pudding can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
SERVE WITH
Citrus sections, diced mango, almonds and extra agave nectar.

I haven’t tried the recipe, but it occurs to me that you should never substitute water for the almond milk and should keep the jar tightly sealed.   Otherwise, your refrigerator might grow a thick coat of goofy green hair.