Why Chia Seeds Are a Superfood

November 20, 2022

Chia seeds are classified as a popular superfood, and it’s not surprising when you look at how many benefits they contain. Chia is rich in protein and fiber, which allows them to saturate the body for a long time, as well as an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. These tiny seeds have five times more calcium than milk; three times more iron than spinach; twice as much potassium as bananas, and 15 times more magnesium than broccoli. They are rich in antioxidants, easy to digest, as well as improve digestion, and are very tasty and satisfying.

Chia Pudding is a perfect option for a healthy beauty breakfast. If you haven’t tried this delicious and easy-to-make dessert yet, now is the time. It is made very easily and simply. The Fashiongton Post today brings you three of the most interesting recipes how to make a chia pudding at home.

Chia Pudding

How to make chia pudding

There are many different ways of how to make chia pudding. In the classic version, it is enough to pour the seeds with liquid and leave the mixture to infuse (chia seeds absorb liquid very well, they swell and increase in volume by 2-3 times). The optimal proportion: 3 tablespoons (25 g) of seeds per glass of liquid (250 ml), and then the will of your imagination.

Plant-based milk (almond, coconut, soy, or whatever you like) is often used as a liquid base. Chia seeds do not have a pronounced taste, so they can be combined with almost any product. Juices, yogurts, fresh fruits and berries, nuts, granola, nut butters and jams are great additions to chia pudding. There is a huge field for experimentation, and everyone can choose their own option.

Most recipes call for 15-20 minutes for the seeds to swell, but we would recommend leaving the pudding for at least two hours or overnight until completely thickened. Ready-made chia pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to five days.

It is best to make chia pudding in the evening, so that you can get a chilled dessert from the fridge in the morning, and start your day in a special way. 

Chia Pudding

Classic chia pudding

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp. chia seeds;
  • 1 tbsp. maple fiber;
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract;
  • 3/4 glass vegetable milk.

How to make:

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl (a clear cup or glass will be ideal).
  • Leave at room temperature to thicken.
  • When the mixture thickens, stir again and add some milk if necessary.
  • Decorate the pudding with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Chia Pudding

Chia pudding with banana and pear

Ingredients:

  • 1 banana;
  • ½ pear;
  • 3 tbsp. chia seeds;
  • 1/2 tbsp. ground cinnamon for flavor;
  • 3/4 glass coconut or almond milk;
  • a handful of nuts for decoration.

How to make: 

  • Mash the banana with a fork in a small bowl, or puree it with a blender. Add chia, cinnamon and almond milk, mix well.
  • Let the chia swell for 10-15 minutes or overnight.
  • Garnish the pudding with ripe pear slices and chopped nuts before serving.

Chia Pudding

Chocolate chia pudding

Ingredients: 

  • 3 tbsp. chia seeds;
  • 2 tbsp. cocoa powder;
  • 2 tbsp. maple syrup or stevia;
  • 3/4 glass almond milk;
  • 2 tbsp. coconut yogurt;
  • chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips for decoration.

How to make:

  • Dissolve cocoa powder in half of the total amount of almond milk and only then mix with half of the chia seeds, otherwise the cocoa will be lumpy. Add maple syrup.
  • Mix the second half of almond milk in a separate glass with chia seeds. Let stand for at least 2 hours or leave overnight.
  • Whisk chia seeds, cocoa powder and almond milk in a bowl.
  • Mix both mixtures well before serving. Place the white pudding in the bottom of the glass, then the cocoa pudding, then repeat the layers again.
  • Top with a layer of coconut yogurt, sprinkle with nuts and chocolate chips.