Today is Cinco de Mayo, and you know what that means…the perfect excuse to nibble on chips and salsa and indulge in a few margaritas! We love a good Taco Tuesday as much as the next person. In fact, the Chosen Foods story begins in Mexico. Mexico’s vibrant, lively culture has inspired several of our products and delicious treats.
Today is Cinco de Mayo, and you know what that means…the perfect excuse to nibble on chips and salsa and indulge in a few margaritas! We love a good Taco Tuesday as much as the next person. In fact, the Chosen Foods story begins in Mexico. Mexico’s vibrant, lively culture has inspired several of our products and delicious treats.
Chia dates back to Mexico as early as 3500 B.C. It was grown and harvested as a staple of the Ancient Aztec and Mayan warriors in Chiapas, where the ruins still stand today. Chia seeds were used for numerous purposes; they were traded as currency, used for medicinal treatments, and offered to gods during religious ceremonies. Chia actually means “strength” in Mayan – strong and mighty they are! Chia seeds pack heaps of nutrition into each tablespoon.
Chia seeds are one unique superfood. They are one of few complete vegan proteins, and are essentially small bursts of omega-3 fatty acids. They hold 50% more omega-3s than flax seeds. They are also chock-full of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Gram for gram, they actually contain more calcium than most dairy products. These omega-3s and minerals are essential to brain health, fight inflammation, and foster strong bones and joints.
Chia seeds are also the perfect supplement to any diet because they are naturally loaded with fiber and protein, which aids in weight loss. Their gelatinous nature allows them to absorb 10-12 times their weight in water. Once chia seeds enter the stomach, they expand, and leave you feeling fuller, longer. This fiber also dramatically slows the digestion of sugars, lightening the glycemic load of your meal. Lastly, chia seeds provide hydration – perfect for offsetting that tequila shot you may take later!
We love to sprinkle chia on salads, atop yogurt and oatmeal, and mix it into smoothies. Chia is also delicious mixed into water, coconut water, or even a margarita. Surprisingly, Chia is the perfect base for a healthy breakfast pudding. Yes, that’s right, you can indulge in this sweet treat at breakfast, without the guilt (see recipe below). Wishing you a happy and healthy Cinco de Mayo!
Chia Seed Horchata Pudding
Ingredients
¾ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk/hemp milk
¼ cup chia seeds
1 tbsp. pure maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
Directions
In a resealable jar or container, combine all ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or overnight. Garnish with fresh fruit of your choice. We love banana to accompany the flavors of this Mexican-inspired dish.