Overnight Creamy Cinnamon Chia Pudding

I have been wanting to make this for a while, but just never got around to it.  Wish I had sooner, what an awesome and delicious way to eat your chia seeds!  This tastes like a cross between an oatmeal raisin cookie meets bread pudding.  If you are super sensitive to textures, you may find that the "tapioca" like texture to be too much for you.  I love tapioca, so I love this too.  My youngest gobbled it down, my oldest is a much tougher sell!

What's so great about chia you ask?  A lot!  Here is a little breakdown of the benefits of adding chia seeds to your diet.
*Information taken from SFgate.com

 

Chia seeds are native to South America and have been a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries. Today, they draw the interest of many people for their health benefits and uses in cooking. It turns out the South American staple is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Chia seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds' lipid profile is composed of 60 percent omega-3s, making them one of the richest plant-based sources of these fatty acids -- specifically, of alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. The omega-3s in chia seeds can help reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive performance and reduce high cholesterol.

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.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Chia seeds can play an important role in regulating insulin levels. They can reduce insulin resistance and decrease abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood.

Overnight Creamy Cinnamon Chia Pudding

Makes about 2-3 servings

 

1/3 cup of chia seeds

 

2 cups of whole milk (I used raw milk)

 

1 tsp cinnamon

 

dash of nutmeg

 

dash of sea salt

 

1/4 tsp of vanilla

 

1 TBS of any natural sweetener I used Maple Syrup

 

*optional*  1 TBS of raisins ( I personally did not like the raisins, but you may)

 

-Mix all ingredients and store in a covered bowl or a mason jar in the fridge.  Leave it overnight, and enjoy a delicious healthy treat in the morning!