Chia Seed Smoothies
Smoothies have proven to be a great medium for healthy food. Most of these healthy ingredients are packed with nutrients that aim to improve your health through a holistic approach. One superfood that would make a great addition to your smoothie recipe are Chia seeds. This suggestion may raise an eyebrow since Chia seeds are the same seeds that grow into hair-like grass on vases and figurines.
The Salvia hispanica or commonly known as the chia plant is a relative to the mint and is native to southern Mexico and Guatemala. Up to this day, people from this region of the world still consume chia seeds, either whole or grinded.
The Chia seed is a valid superfood mainly because of the nutrients it carries. It has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, fiber and protein, and zero cholesterol. There are also significant traces of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc and copper.
Researches have validated the benefits of chia seeds and it still gaining ground. Though chia seeds are thought to make you healthy overall, there are some particular benefits that are highlighted once you add this to your diet.
Weight Loss: Chia seeds can give a very significant impact on your journey towards weight loss. They are high in fiber plus it reduces your appetite so much that you can easily say no to that extra serving that you naturally crave for. It also helps greatly by keeping your blood sugar on check.
Energy: There have been stories from the Aztecs that a single tablespoon of chia seed can sustain a person for 24 hours. This could the due to the ratio and combination of nutrients within them that gives long-lasting energy.
Blood Sugar: Chia seeds decreases the sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar levels that is common with diabetics after an hour or so of eating.
Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can lead to serious heart problems which includes heart attack. Diabetics who take 40 grams of this seed a day has showed remarkable reduction in their blood pressure.
Digestion: Because of their high fiber content, chia seeds assists a lot with a persons digestion. Compared to flax seed, they have 28 percent more fiber; both soluble and insoluble. What this does is it slows down the digestive process giving your body enough time digest properly and work at a normal pace.
Cholesterol: A number of its nutritional content support in lowering bad cholesterol in our body while increasing the amount of good cholesterol that helps with a healthy cardio vascular system.
STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE
Whether you are going to work, school or off to work out, smoothies are a perfect on the go meal for kids and adults. This recipe has a lot of healthy fats that keep you full and nourishes your brain for optimal performance. Plus strawberries give you a rush that powers you throughout the day!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chia seeds or chia seed gel
1 cup of milk (nut milk preferred)
1/3 avocado1 cup strawberries(fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or powder
dash of sea salt
A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)
Procedure
Place all the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend until nice and smooth.
CHOCOLATE GINGER SMOOTHIE
If you are a little bit adventurous and would like to have a drink that is filled with healthy spices, then this recipe is for you.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chia seeds or chia seed gel
1 cup of warm to hot tea (chaga tea for me)
1 tablespoon grass-fed butter or ghee
1/2 tablespoon cacao powder
3/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons honey
Procedure
Place all the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for around 30 seconds or until nice and smooth. For this smoothie, you may need a blender of higher quality. I would recommend either a Vitamix or Nutribullet.
Acai Cacao Smoothie
Free radicals that damage your DNA will be a thing of the past once you chug down this awesome smoothie. Filled with antioxidants, it eradicates free radicals before they can even harm you.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1 cup coconut water
1/4 avocado
1/3 cup yogurt
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1 tablespoon almond butter or a handful of raw almonds
1 tablespoon goji berries (blended or sprinkled on top)
1 tablespoon cacao powder
1/2 tablespoon cacao nibs (blended or sprinkled on top)
1 teaspoon acai powder
1 teaspoon bee pollen
A dash of Himalayan salt or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten (optional)
You can add the following:
1 serving of your preferred protein powder
1 tablespoon coconut flakes or shreds
1 teaspoon coconut oil
Pineapple Smoothie with Chlorella
Chlorella provides a lot of health benefits. It helps cleanse our blood of toxins, promotes the growth of tissue, and assists the body to process more oxygen. Pineapple on the other hand is filled with vitamin C, also known as an antioxidant that combats free radicals.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon chia seeds or gel
1 teaspoon chlorella
1/2 cup of pineapple chunks(fresh or frozen)
1 cup coconut water4-6 fresh basil leaves
1/3 small avocado
1/4 cup yogurt1 teaspoon maca
1 teaspoon bee pollen
Squeeze of lemon juice, about 1 teaspoon (really important)
A dash of Himalayan pink salt or any other high quality salt like Celtic sea salt
You can add the following:
A little honey, maple syrup, or stevia to sweeten
1 serving of your preferred protein powder
1 tablespoon coconut flakes or shreds
1/2 tablespoon cacao powder
Procedure:
Place all the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for around 30-45 seconds or until nice and smooth.
