I have a deep love for chia seeds. These nutritionally miraculous little seeds are chock-full of omega 3 fatty acids, in which I believe the general population to be deficient. Add to this the fact that many people don’t eat fish, or don’t eat the right kinds of fish, and it’s easy to see how many of us may not get enough of this vital nutrient, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and more.
A 2004 Canadian study (among many other studies) reported that:
“Omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in the development and function of the central nervous system. Emerging research is establishing an association between omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic) and major depressive disorder.”
To ensure I get enough DHA (the type of Omega 3 the body needs and does not manufacture), I take 2 capsules of O-mega-zen 3 daily, and often eat chia seeds in the form of puddings and stirred into drinks. Lately, I have taken things further by also adding chia oil to my puddings as well as non-GM soy lecithin powder, and was rewarded by a wonderful, mousse like texture (from the oil/lecithin blend). Just in case you think I’m kidding, know that my husband remarked on it himself without me saying anything!
Chocolate Mousse Chia Pudding
The lecithin and oils emulsify to give this chia pudding a chocolate mousse consistency!
Ingredients (serves 4)
– 1/2 cup chia seeds
– ½ cup raw cacao powder
– 1/3 cup Coconut Secret coconut nectar, raw honey, or your favorite sweetener
– 1 cup raw hazelnuts, or use toasted
– 1 inch vanilla bean or a little vanilla bean powder
– 1 T coconut oil
– 1 T non-GM lecithin powder,
– 1 T chia seed oil
– 2 drops Medicine Flower coffee extract (optional)
– Celtic sea salt, pinch
Directions
Make hazelnut milk by blending the hazelnuts with 3 cups of water. Strain with a nut milk bag and pour the milk back into the rinsed blender.
Add the other ingredients except for the chia seeds, and blend until smooth.
Pour in a large bowl, add the chia seeds, and stir by hand. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes, then stir again, and repeat the process once. Place in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days.
And don’t forget, today is the last day to enter my giveaway for 2 lbs of chia seeds!
