Banana Pudding Makes 2 servings 1 cup soy or almond milk (non-sweetened) 2 bananas -- the older the better, even very brown 2 tablespoons chia seeds (this is the thickener) Combine all in a blender. Pour into cups and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. Easy, tastes great, and good for you. About 200 calories a serving, but the large amount of fiber helps slow down absorption of the natural sugars. What Is Chia? Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, grown in Mexico dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. Chia seeds are a concentrated food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium. Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds (unlike flaxseeds). One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals. The mild flavor of chia seeds makes them easy to add to foods and beverages. They are most often sprinkled on cereal, sauces, vegetables, rice dishes, or yogurt or mixed into drinks and baked goods. They can also be mixed with water and made into a gel.
I will investigate chia seeds. What area are the in at the store? Is this the same "chia" as is sprouted on those plastic animals?
Yes they are the same. Who knew we could eat those sprouting heads. I buy them at whole foods in the bulk section. Trader Joe's must have them too. Not sure about the traditional grocery stores but they are becoming more popular now so maybe they have them too.
Here is what a google said about Chia. Sounds worth giving it a try. Salvia hispanica, commonly known as chia, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family. It is used sometimes with the seeds ground or with whole seeds used for nutritious drinks and as a food source. Chia seeds may be added to other foods as a topping or put into smoothies, breakfast cereals, energy bars, yogurt, made into a gelatin-like substance, or consumed raw. One pilot study found that 10 weeks ingestion of 25 grams per day of milled chia seeds, compared to intact seeds, produced higher blood levels of alpha-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 long-chain fatty acid considered good for the heart, while having no effect on inflammation or disease risk factors
25 grams is about 1.5 tablespoons. Personally I don't use food because of the various claims to improve specific organs or disease. But if it's a healthy food in general and useful (chia as the thickener) I will use it.
