Matcha Chia Seed Pudding with Superfoods & Sea Moss
Matcha chia seed pudding packed with superfoods!
This is one product that pairs great with juices for a delicious grab and go meal for breakfast, lunch or evening snack.
INGREDIENTS:
Organic Freshly Pressed Cashew Mylk
Organic Chia Seeds
Organic Matcha
Organic Monk Fruit
Organic Granola
Wild crafted Sea Moss
Vanilla Bean
Chia Seeds 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Chia seeds are the tiny black seeds of the chia plant (Salvia hispanica).
Native to Mexico and Guatemala, they were a staple food for the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. In fact, “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for “strength”.
Chia seeds contain large amounts of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of high quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants.
They may improve digestive health, blood levels of heart-healthy omega-3s, and risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.
Chia seeds are small, flat, and oval-shaped with a shiny and smooth texture. Their color ranges from white to brown or black.
Chia seeds contain 138 calories per ounce (28 grams).
By weight, they are 6% water, 46% carbohydrates (of which 83% is fiber), 34% fat, and 19% protein.
The nutrients in 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of chia seeds are :
- Calories: 486
- Water: 6%
- Protein: 16.5 grams
- Carbs: 42.1 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Fiber: 34.4 grams
-
Fat: 30.7 grams
- Saturated: 3.33 grams
- Monounsaturated: 2.31 grams
- Polyunsaturated: 23.67 grams
- Omega-3: 17.83 grams
- Omega-6: 5.84 grams
- Trans: 0.14 grams
Notably, chia seeds are also free of gluten.
Carbs and fiber
More than 80% of the carb content of chia seeds is in the form of fiber.
A single ounce (28 grams) of chia seeds boasts 11 grams of fiber, which is a significant portion of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for women and men — 25 and 38 grams per day, respectively.
The fiber in chia seeds is mainly soluble fiber and mucilage, the substance responsible for the gluey texture of moistened chia seeds.
Chia fiber may also be fermented in your gut, promoting the formation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and improving colon health.
Fat
One of the unique characteristics of chia seeds is their high content of heart-healthy omega- 3 fatty acids.
About 75% of the fats in chia seeds consist of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), while about 20% consist of omega-6 fatty acids.
In fact, chia seeds are the best known plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids — even better than flaxseed.
Some scientists believe that a high intake of omega-3s relative to omega-6s reduces inflammation in your body.
Because they’re a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds promote a lower omega -6 to omega-3 ratio.
A low ratio is associated with a lower risk of various chronic conditions — such as heart disease, cancer, and inflammatory diseases — and a lower risk of premature death.
Protein
Chia seeds contain 19% protein — a similar amount to other seeds but more than most cereals and grains.
High protein intake is associated with increased fullness after meals and reduced food intake.
Notably, these seeds offer all nine essential amino acids and are thus a high quality plant-based protein. However, they are not recommended as the sole protein source for children.
Chia seeds provide high amounts of many minerals but are a poor source of vitamins.
The most abundant minerals are:
- Manganese. Whole grains and seeds are rich in manganese, which is essential for metabolism, growth, and development.
- Phosphorus. Usually found in protein-rich foods, phosphorus contributes to bone health and tissue maintenance.
- Copper. A mineral often lacking in the modern diet, copper is important for heart health.
- Selenium. An important antioxidant, selenium is involved in many processes in your body.
- Iron. As a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, iron is involved in the transport of oxygen throughout your body. It may be poorly absorbed from chia seeds due to their phytic acid content.
- Magnesium. Often lacking in the Western diet, magnesium plays important roles in many bodily processes.
- Calcium. The most abundant mineral in your body, calcium is essential for bones, muscles, and nerves.
The absorption of some minerals, such as iron and zinc, may be reduced because of the phytic acid content of chia seeds.
Chia seeds contain a number of beneficial plant compounds, including:
- Chlorogenic acid. This antioxidant may lower blood pressure.
- Caffeic acid. This substance is abundant in many plant foods and may help fight inflammation in your body.
- Quercetin. This powerful antioxidant may reduce your risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain forms of cancer.
- Kaempferol. This antioxidant has been associated with a decreased risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Clean, dry chia seeds have an extended shelf life, as their antioxidants protect their fats from damage.
Chia seeds have become increasingly popular in recent years because of their high nutritional value and alleged health benefits.
Their main health benefits are listed below.
Increased blood levels of omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important for your body and brain, and chia seeds are an excellent source of the omega-3 ALA.
However, ALA needs to be converted into the active forms, such as EPA, before your body can use it.
Studies in humans and animals have shown that chia seeds may raise blood levels of ALA up to 138% and EPA up to 39%.
Improved blood sugar control
Having healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for optimal health.
Animal studies demonstrate that chia seeds reduce insulin resistance and improve blood sugar control, which are important risk factors for metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Human studies show that bread made with chia seeds causes a reduced blood sugar response compared with more traditional breads.
Lower blood pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for chronic diseases such as heart disease
Chia seeds and chia flour have both been found to lower blood pressure in people who already have elevated levels.
Increased fiber intake
Most people don’t consume enough fiber.
High fiber intake is linked to improved gut health and a lower risk of numerous diseases.
A single ounce (28 grams) of chia seeds provides 9.75 grams of fiber, which is 25% and 39% of the RDI for men and women, respectively.
Due to their extraordinary water-absorbing capacity, chia seeds increase the volume of foods in your digestive tract, leading to increased fullness and decreased food intake.
6 Proven Ways Matcha Tea Improves Your Health
Matcha contains the nutrients from the entire tea leaf, which results in a greater amount of caffeine and antioxidants than typically found in green tea.
Studies of matcha and its components have unearthed a variety of benefits, showing that it can help protect the liver, promote heart health, and even aid in weight loss.
Here are 7 health benefits of matcha tea, all based on science.
Matcha is rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds in tea that act as natural antioxidants.
Antioxidants help stabilize harmful free radicals, which are compounds that can damage cells and cause chronic disease.
2. May help protect the liver
The liver is vital to health and plays a central role in flushing out toxins, metabolizing drugs, and processing nutrients.
Some studies have found that matcha may help protect the health of your liver.
Some research shows that several of the components in matcha could help enhance brain function.
4. May help prevent cancer
Matcha is jam-packed with health-promoting compounds, including some that have been linked to cancer prevention in test tube and animal studies. Matcha is especially high in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin that has been shown to have powerful anti-cancer properties.
5. May promote heart health
Green tea has been shown to reduce levels of total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. It may also help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, another factor that may protect against heart disease.
Green tea is well known for its ability to enhance weight loss. In fact, studies show that it may help speed up metabolism to increase energy expenditure and boost fat burning.