Chia - My New Favorite Ingredient for You!

Chia seeds were first used as food as early as 3500 BC and were one of the main dietary components of the Aztecs and the Mayans. Chia seeds were eaten as a grain, drunk as a beverage when mixed with water, ground into flour, included in medicines, pressed for oil and used as a base for face and body paints.

Chia is one of nature's complete superfoods and contains the highest plant based source of Omega 3, dietary fibre and protein. It is a great tasting seed that is easy to include in the daily diet for improved health.

Omega 3’s – chia contains 20% omega 3 which means that chia is anti-inflammatory, great for your skin and essential for healthy hormone balance

Dietary fibre – chia contains 36% fibre so this will help to keep your cholesterol low and decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Antioxidants – chia is bursting with antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals and promote health and vitality.

Here is a fantastic recipe courtesy of The Chia Co, who grow chia in the pristine Kimberley region of South Australia at a latitude that maximizes omega 3 content.

Crunchy apricot & Chia Granola

Ingredients

300g rolled oats 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/3 cup honey, warmed 2 tablespoons light olive oil 100g sultanas 100g dried apricots, diced120g hazelnuts, roughly chopped 100g shredded coconut 60g sunflower seeds 30g black chia seeds

Method

Pre-heat oven to 160oC. Combine oats, hazelnuts, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, cinnamon, honey and olive oil in a large bowl. Make sure the honey coats the grains and nuts evenly. Spoon mixture into a large baking tray lined with non-stick paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the granola becomes golden and crunchy. Stir frequently while cooking.3. Add sultanas and apricots and stir through granola. Store in an airtight container and serve topped with a dollop of your favorite yoghurt.

PS My favorite breaky at the moment is Dovedale's Chia bread with sauteed spinach and a poached organic egg. This keeps me feeling energetic for hours and hours!

Emm

xxx