Chia seeds are tiny black seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica, a relative to mint.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yin is responsible for lubricating the body, the bowels, hair, skin, and essence (supporting sperm and egg). Yin keeps the body cool and the joints moving. Black Sesame Seeds and Chia Seeds and also thought to have sedative properties. Chia seeds and seeds in general have a downward movement in the body (seeds are planted in the earth) and can help bring anxious energy down to nourish the yin and calm the mind.

According to the NIH “Chia seeds are composed of 15-25% protein, 30-33% fats, 18-30% high dietary fiber, and 90-93% minerals and vitamins. It also contains a high amount of antioxidants to maintain a balanced serum lipid profile. It also has minerals such as RDA calcium 18%, Manganese 30%, Magnesium 30% and Phosphorus 27%. It also contains Zinc, Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), and B3 (Niacin). Potassium. A serving of 2 Tbsp has only 137 calories. Chia seeds are 40% fiber by weight. Fiber feeds the friendly bacteria in your intestine, supporting gut flora and overall health.

Because of its high soluble fiber content, chia seeds can absorb 10 to12 times its weight in water, becoming gel-like and expanding in your stomach. This increases fullness and slows the absorption of food, curbing your appetite.

  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup coconut milk carton refrigerated kind

  • 1/3 cup chia seeds

Sift cocoa powder into a medium deep mixing bowl. Add maple syrup, vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Whisk to combine until smooth.

  • add the coconut milk on top and whisk to combine. Pour the chia seeds on top of the mixture and whisk to combine one more time.

  • Cover and refrigerate until the mixture thickens, and becomes pudding like, at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

  • Enjoy with edible flowers, coconut, chocolate chips and berries

While chia seeds contain more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon, only EPA, and not DHA can be absorbed. Therefore, it is still recommended to get DHA through fatty fish or fish oil.

Chia seeds are a blood thinner. Over 3 Tablespoons a day requires caution. If you find your are bruising easier, decrease the amount of seeds you eat. If you are taking blood thinners or have any reason to be concerned with excess bleeding, consult your doctor.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds

https://www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris/m_health/relieving-anxiety-with-chinese-medicine#:~:text=Food%20recommended%20by%20Traditional%20Chinese%20Medicine%3A,-Black%20Sesame%20Seeds&text=Chia%20seeds%20and%20seeds%20in,yin%20and%20calm%20the%20mind.

https://holisticcaroline.com/the-coveted-chia-seeds/

https://www.yinovacenter.com/blog/an-ancient-treat-modernized/

Recipe