I haven’t made chia seed pudding for almost a year.  I have made it twice this week!  My kids devour it for breakfast, snack, and dessert!  I am enjoying it as part of a healthy breakfast.

I’ve revised my Superfood Chia Seed, Almond Milk, Date, Coconut Pudding Recipe a little. The new recipe is even easier!

Vegan, Gluten-Free Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Combine ingredients in a quart jar, shake it up, and chill overnight.  I suggest adding the chia seeds last, so you do not end up with big clumps of chia.

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup chia seeds
• 2 cups almond milk (best if homemade)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon raw agave syrup
• 2 Tablespoons dried coconut
• 1 teaspoon organic cinnamon

You can substitute any kind of milk for the almond milk.

I love to add raw almonds, strawberries, and banana to my breakfast chia seed.

SF Gate reports the following benefits of adding chia seeds to your diet:

Fiber

Fiber is associated with reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and regulating bowel function. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, with a whopping 10 grams in only 2 tablespoons. That is one-third of the daily recommended intake of fiber per day.

Antioxidants

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer. The high antioxidant profile also helps them have a long shelf life. They last almost two years without refrigeration.

Minerals

Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 18 percent of the DRI for calcium, 35 percent for phosphorus, 24 percent for magnesium and about 50 percent for manganese. These nutrients help you prevent hypertension and maintain a healthy weight, and are important for energy metabolism and a part of DNA synthesis.

Satiety

Satiety is the feeling of being full and satisfied, which helps lower food cravings between meals. The combination of protein, fiber and the gelling action of chia seeds when mixed with liquids all contribute to their satiating effects.

Gluten-Free

Chia seeds contain no gluten or grains. Therefore, all of the nutritional benefits of chia seeds can be obtained on a gluten-free diet.

Egg Replacer

The outer layer of chia seeds swells when mixed with liquids to form a gel. This can used in place of eggs to lower cholesterol and increase the nutrient content of foods and baked goods. To make the egg replacement, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 15 minutes.

Can Be Digested Whole

Unlike flaxseeds, which are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and minerals, chia seeds do not need to be ground in order to obtain their nutrient or egg- replacement benefits.

Dyslipidemia

A study published in the “British Journal of Nutrition” showed that chia seeds as a dietary fat source can lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels while increasing HDL or “good” cholesterol. The study also found that when substituting chia seeds for other fat sources, such as corn oil, the ALA was able to prevent high triglyceride levels and reduce central obesity.

[amazon_enhanced asin=”B00AQFGL3O” /][amazon_enhanced asin=”B001CGTN1I” /][amazon_enhanced asin=”B000WS1KHM” /][amazon_enhanced asin=”B000FL08B0″ /][amazon_enhanced asin=”B00GTYL40Q” /]