Chia seeds are a super food, loaded with health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids—nearly five grams in a one-ounce serving! They are also an excellent source of fiber at 10 grams per ounce (about 2 tablespoons), and contain protein and minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Chia also assists in weight loss as well as reducing glucose levels which can benefit diabetics.[1]

Are you happy yet?

More research has indicated that chia seeds may help with depression. A meta-analysis of trials involving patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder provided evidence that omega-3 in chia reduces symptoms of depression.[2]

Not smiling yet? How about these phenomenal statistics? Ounce for ounce chia seeds have:

• 100% more POTASSIUM than bananas
• 300% more SELENIUM than flax seed
• 1400% more MAGNESIUM than broccoli
• 200% more IRON than spinach
• 100% more DIETARY FIBER than bran flakes
• 80% more PHOSPHORUS than milk
• 50% more PROTEIN than kidney beans
• 500% more CALCIUM than milk and
• 600% more OMEGA 3 than salmon!

That’s a lot of things to be happy about as far as I’m concerned… I’m deighted to have discovered chia pudding and to share this recipe with you!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened dairy-free milk (I used soy)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 8 medjool dates, pits removed
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (see notes)
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• ½ cup chia seeds

Directions:

1. Place the first 4 ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into a bowl and add the fresh berries and the chia seeds, stirring well.
3. Stir every 15 minutes for about 45 minutes. Don’t skip this step! If you do you will have a glob of gelatinous seeds in the bottom of the bowl which is nearly impossible to break apart (yes, I did this the first time I made a chia pudding!).
4. Place into whatever serving cups you will be using and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, overnight is better.
5. Top with fresh berries and/or vegan whipped cream if desired. If you want a fabulously decadent recipe for vegan whipped cream, check out this Coconut Whipped Cream Step-by-Step Tutorial from Angela at Oh She Glows.

Healthy trails,

1. Guevara-Cruz, M., Tovar, A. R., Aguilar-Salinas, C., Medina-Vera, I., Gil-Zenteno, L., Hernández-Viveros, I., Torres, N. (2012). A dietary pattern including nopal, chia seed, soy protein, and oat reduces serum triglycerides and glucose intolerance in patients with metabolic Syndrome1-4. The Journal of Nutrition, 142(1), 64-9. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/915212280?accountid=134574

2. Ross, B. M., Seguin, J., & Sieswerda, L. E. (2007). Omega-3 fatty acids as treatments for mental illness: which disorder and which fatty acid? Lipids in Health & Disease, 621-39. doi:10.1186/1476-511X-6-21