Chia: The original super seed

What is Chia?

Salvia Hispanica, commonly known as chia, is a flowering plant native to central, southern Mexico and Guatemala. Chia seeds have been a staple for native American people as early as 3500 BC. It's no wonder the word name chia is Mayan for 'strength', as the Ancient Aztec warriors were said to consume one teaspoon of this superfood to sustain them for 24 hours! Scroll down to find some delicious Chia pudding recipes!

"High in calcium, iron, vitamin C, manganese and phosphorus, chia seeds are truly one of nature’s superfoods." - The Natural Nutritionist

Enhance your nutrition

• Chia seeds contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. It is a vital component to the health of our muscles, cells and tissues.
• It is one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 ALA. Omega-3s are not only important for brain health, but also have anti-inflammatory properties and affect the blood vessels and joints.
• Chia seeds contain manganese, an essential nutrient for our health. It’s beneficial for our bones and helps the body utilise nutrients such as biotin, thiamine, ascorbic acid and choline.
• A single serving of the mighty seeds contains almost 20% of the recommended daily intake of calcium. Other than the main benefit of playing a crucial role in bone structure, calcium is also vital for muscle function.
• Chia seeds also provide the mineral phosphorous, which works with calcium to strengthen our teeth and bones. It also plays an active role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
• Chia seeds provide the body with soluble fibre, which is important for digestive health. This particular fibre binds with fatty acids and slows down digestion so blood sugars are released more slowly into the body.

Reap the benefits of this super little seed!

• I want to boost my energy - They will provide you with slow release energy throughout the day.
• I want to boost my fibre intake - They contain an excellent ratio of soluble and insoluble fibre which greatly helps to improve intestinal health.
• I want to reduce my weight - They will help to keep you fuller for longer between meals, which will allow you to consume less throughout the day.
• I want beautiful skin, nails & hair - They are bountiful in trace minerals and protein which are essential for producing beautiful skin, nails & hair.
• I want to recover faster after exercise - They are high in omega-3 ALA, which has been shown to reduce inflammation.

15g a day is what you need!

A daily serving of 15g of dry seeds is generally recommended by nutritionists. The Natural Nutritionist, Steph Lowe says:

How to boost your Bare Blends with Chia

Bare Berries Chia Pudding

• 3 Tbsp Organic Chia seeds
• 10g Bare Berries
• 1 Tin of organic coconut milk

1. Whisk Bare Berries with coconut milk until dissolved
2. Whisk Chia seeds until well combined
3. Jar, and set in fridge for at least 20 minutes.
4. Enjoy! We always have a jar of this ready to eat in the fridge.

Raw Cacao Chia Pudding

• 3 Tbsp Organic Chia seeds
• 1 Tbsp Bare Blends Organic Raw Cacao
• 1 Tin of organic coconut milk
• 1 tsp agave

1. Whisk Cacao powder and agave with coconut milk until dissolved.
2. Whisk Chia seeds until well combined.
3. Jar, and set in fridge for at least 20 minutes.
4. Enjoy!

Mango Chia Pudding

• 3 tbsp Organic Chia seeds
• 1 mango (peeled and pipped)
• 1 Tin of organic coconut milk

1. Blend coconut milk & mango in the Optimum 9200 until consistent
2. Whisk Chia seeds until well combined.
3. Jar, and set in fridge for at least 20 minutes.
4. Enjoy!

Vanilla Bean WPI Chia Pudding

• 3 tbsp Organic Chia seeds
• 1 serving Bare Blends Vanilla Bean Whey Protein Isolate
• 1 Tin of organic coconut milk

1. Shake coconut milk and protein until consistent
2. Whisk Chia seeds until well combined.
3. Jar, and set in fridge for at least 20 minutes.
4. Enjoy!

Other Recipes

1. CHIA PUDDING: We have just listed 4 of our favorite flavored chia puddings. Get creative and experiment with other flavors!
2. Simply add 1 serving into your daily smoothie to boost its nutritional value. Due to their fairly neutral taste they work well most recipes.
3. Sprinkle on your favorite granola or muesli.
4. Chia plays a pivotal role in other raw recipes. Check out our Raw Bare Berries Coconut Slice or our Chia Protein Bites