what is chia?
let's begin there :)
chia is:
Salvia hispanica, commonly known as chia, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. The 16th-century Codex Mendoza provides evidence that it was cultivated by the Aztec in pre-Columbian times; economic historians have suggested it was as important as maize as a food crop. It is still used in Mexico and Guatemala, sometimes with the seeds ground or with whole seeds used for nutritious drinks and as a food source.
Chia is grown commercially for its seed, a food that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, since the seeds yield 25–30% extractable oil, including α-linolenic acid (ALA). Of total fat, the composition of the oil can be 55%, 18%, 6%, and 10% saturated fat.
Chia seeds are typically small ovals with a diameter of about 1 mm (0.039 in). They are mottle-colored with brown, gray, black and white. The seeds are hydrophilic, absorbing up to 12 times their weight in liquid when soaked. While soaking, the seeds develop a mucilaginous gel-like coating that gives chia-based beverages a distinctive texture.
make sense? :)
all i know is that these little babies are crazy healthy for you, full of omega-3s and full of fiber!
they hold a ton of water and help keep you hydrated.
and when mixed into a drink, like our recipe today, they become a delicious, nutritious snack!
Chia Seed Drink
Makes 2 cups, enough for 2 people, generally
1 cup warm water
3 tablespoons chia seed
1 cup fruit juice of your choice (i prefer to juice something fresh with our handy dandy juicer! even healthier!)
Combine chia seeds and warm water and stir to combine. You want all the seeds to be suspended in the water. Cover and refrigerate for 4-24 hours.
Then, add your juice of choice and stir to combine.
Enjoy!
I've heard that chia seeds are a great source of antioxidants. I've never had a chia drink before. They look very delicious and refreshing. I'll have to try one soon. http://getchia.com/chia-drinks-mixes
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