Chia seeds come from the chia plant, one of the many members of the Salvia genus in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Cultivated and consumed by the Aztecs and their ancestors for millennia, chia’s origins can be traced back to
Chia seeds may considerably reduce the risks for developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity
Chia seeds are naturally gluten free. The protein they contain, at around 20% by weight, is one of the most complete proteins in the vegetable kingdom. It also contains about 35% fibre (most of it highly viscous insoluble fibre) and plenty of antioxidants! This natural combination of elements makes a perfect ‘shield’ for the chia seed’s uniquely high omega-3 content by protecting the oil from air, light and oxidation. It thus also renders the product stable with a total life expectancy of 18 months.
The chia seeds that we have are not certified organic. In order to obtain organic certification, the farms where they are grown must first go through a 3 year transition during which the farmers must conform to all the standards of organic agriculture. Thus, during this 3 year probationary period, growers may not use chemical inputs of any kind including pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. Our chia seeds come from fields presently in their second year of transition.
We found the seed to be so extraordinary that we couldn’t wait to make it available for everyone! Even though there are no certified organic chia seeds available on the market yet, we closely follow the harvests in order to offer you organic chia as quickly as possible.
How can I incorporate Prana chia into my daily diet?
To benefit from chia’s nutritional properties it is not necessary to grind the seeds as you would with flax seeds.
Simply add the chia seeds to your salads, dressings, fruit juice, yogurt, breakfast cereals, soups and stews, gazpacho, breads and pastries. You may even eat them straight out of the bag or sprout them in a little soil…be creative!
The major nutritional benefits of Chia seeds
OMEGA-3
Did you know that Chia seeds just might be the world’s most omega-3 rich food commercially available? !WOW! In fact only two daily tablespoons of chia are enough to supply the body with 100% of the omega-3 it needs, thus helping you prevent a whole bunch of cardiovascular problems.
Antioxidants
Here are some of the principal antioxidant molecules contained in chia seeds:
Myricetin, Quercertin, Kaempferol, Chlorogenic and Caffeic Acids.
Viscous Fiber:
Chia seeds have one of the highest dietary fiber contents amongst known foods. In fact the same two daily tablespoons will also supply about 30% of you daily fiber needs. No more problems with constipation, glycemic highs and lows for diabetics and no more ‘sweet binges’. Chia seeds can absorb up to 14 times their weight in water, thus slowing down digestion as well as the body’s absorption of sugars and creates, finally, a lasting sensation of satiety. Taken at breakfast this seed can reduce your cravings for more sugar, which might otherwise stimulate your appetite all day long.
A good source of protein
Chia seeds are an excellent source of essential amino acids. The protein they contain has a very balanced ratio of these amino acids, making Chia one of the most complete protein sources in the vegetable kingdom.
B Vitamins
Help increase blood circulation and reduce cholesterol levels. They also promote a healthy nervous and digestive system.
What’s more, chia has…
Gram for gram:
- 6 times more calcium than whole milk
- 3 times more iron than spinach
- More potassium than bananas
- 15 times more magnesium than broccoli
- 3 times more antioxidant capacity than blueberries
-Chia is also naturally gluten free, thus suitable for people allergic to it.
Chia seeds are a complete super-food and chock-full of energy!
-Nutritious -Energizing
-Hydrating -Fresh taste, no strong flavour
-Easily digestible fibre with prolonged effects -Regenerative
-Helps with weight loss -Helps increase physical endurance, resistance
-Versatile
Chia Smoothie
For 2 people
3 tablespoons of PRANA Chia seeds
1 cup of natural apple juice
2 cups of frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries or strawberries)
Put all ingredients together in the blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately while the smoothie is still cold.
Italian-Style dressing with chia
For 6 people
2 tablespoons PRANA Chia seeds
½ cup olive oil
1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons tamari sauce
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
½ tablespoon fresh or dried oregano
1 clove of garlic
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Put all ingredients together in a blender and blend until smooth. Splash on a lovely green salad and enjoy!
Chia Gel
To make chia gel, soak 1 part chia in 10 parts water. Let sit for 15 minutes, the fiber will absorb the water. Vary this recipe by replacing the water with any one of your favorite fruit juices or cold teas, add a few ice cubes and enjoy your traditional Chia Fresca…cheers!
Chia-Chocolate Mousse
2 organic and fair trade bananas
3 tablespoons organic virgin coconut oil
¼ cup Prana raw almonds
¼ cup Chia Gel
¼ cup organic cocoa powder (raw or roasted)
3 tablespoons organic maple syrup
1. Mix all ingredients together in a blender to obtain a creamy consistency.
2. Pour the mix into small dessert cups (or glasses) and refrigerate for one hour.
3. Serve fresh, garnish with shredded coconut and fresh berries.
Chia-Strawberry Gelati
2 cups fresh organic strawberries (or any other seasonal fruit: raspberries, peaches, pineapple, mangoes…)
¼ cup organic virgin coconut oil
½ cup Prana Ground Chia seeds
¼ cup honey, maple syrup or brown rice syrup
1. Blend all ingredients together until you obtain a semi-firm but creamy texture.
2. Refrigerate for 2 hours, until the mix becomes quite firm.
3. Enjoy while fresh and garnish with sliced PRANA Amandines!
Peach & Chia Clafouti
8-9 peaches (or some other seasonal fruit)
½ cup Prana Ground Chia
½ cup Organic kamut flour
1 cup organic fair trade cane sugar, or maple syrup
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon sea salt
½ cup organic virgin coconut oil
1. Take an 8”x8”x2” cake tray and grease it lightly with coconut oil.
2. Slice the peaches in rounds and place them on the bottom of the tray.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the ground chia, kamut flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt and coconut oil together until the texture is grainy.
4. Pour the mixture evenly over the peaches.
5. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45minutes, until the top is golden and the peaches tender.
Serve warm drizzled with cream or coconut milk!
Red lentil and Chia soup
(for 6 people)
1 cup organic red lentils
½ teaspoon organic turmeric powder
5 cups organic vegetable broth
1 medium sized organic potato
5 cloves of organic garlic, minced
1 ¼ inches of fresh organic ginger
1 ¼ cups water
1 ¼ teaspoons sea salt
3 tablespoons organic olive oil
1 teaspoon coriander
1 tablespoon organic lemon juice
3 cups Chia Gel (made from whole or ground chia)
1 pinch of cayenne pepper
1. Soak lentils over night.
2. Mince garlic cloves, the ginger and dice the potato
3. In a soup pot, mix the lentils, turmeric, vegetable broth, potato, water, sea salt, cayenne pepper and olive oil. Cook on medium heat until the lentils are perfectly cooked.
4. Add the garlic, ginger, lemon juice, coriander and chia gel. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Brown rice and chia salad
(for 6 people)
3 cups organic brown rice
2 tablespoons organic olive oil
2 tablespoons organic lemon juice
1 or 2 organic garlic cloves
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon organic dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup Chia gel
1 small zucchini
1 medium sized tomato
2 tablespoons Prana Pine nuts or walnut
1. Cook brown rice
2. Slice the zucchini in juliennes and dice the tomato.
3. In a separate bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, herbs and chia gel until homogenized.
4. Mix the zucchini, tomato and nuts with the cooked brown rice. Pour the dressing on the mixture and mix well.
5. Cover and keep refrigerated for 60 minutes.
Quinoa-Chia gluten free tabouleh
2 cups cooked and cooled organic quinoa
1 cup chopped fresh organic parsley
½ cup chopped organic green onions
1 medium sized organic garlic clove, crushed
1 tablespoon fresh organic basil or ½ tablespoon dried organic basil
1 cup diced fresh organic tomatoes
½ cup fresh organic lemon juice
½ cup organic extra virgin olive oil
¼ PRANA chia seeds
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to mix. Serve cold! This salad is perfect for lunchboxes!
Chia Lemonade
Makes 1 glass
1 tablespoon of PRANA Chia seeds
1 cup of natural apple juice (or any other fruit juice)
2 teaspoons of lemon juice
Ice
Fresh mint leaves
Mix the PRANA chia seeds with the apple juice and let them soak for 30 minutes or until the juice turns to a gel-like consistency. Add the juice from 1 fresh lemon, a few mint leaves and ice to create a tasty thirst-quenching beverage.
Chiacolate Pudding
Makes 2 servings, kids love it!
2 tablespoons PRANA Chia seeds
½ cup organic soy milk (or almond milk)
½ cup organic coconut milk
50g (1/3 cup) 70% dark chocolate or cocoa powder (organic and fair trade)
2 tablespoons agave nectar or cane sugar (organic fair trade) *Optional
Shredded organic coconut for decoration
Mix all ingredients together in a casserole and heat on low fire. Stir constantly for a few minutes until the chocolate melts and the mix becomes homogenous. Avoid boiling! Once the chocolate has melted, remove from heat and let cool. Top with shredded coconut and enjoy!
