Well, we’ve talked about Chia Seeds before, but here’s a quick review for ya. It’s a seed in the mint family that is considered a superfood and provides boatloads of sustainable energy. First cultivated by the Aztecs, the name “chia” comes from the mayan word for “strength”. And trust me, with the amount of nutrients packed in these little babies, they surely live up to their name.
These days, we generally don’t get enough Omega-3 in our diet. We actually consume a bit too much Omega-6, which can throw off the ideal and recommended ratio of these essential fatty acids. Foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, coconut oil and fresh fish can be great additions to your meals to ensure that you’re getting your daily dose of these good fats. Good fats = a good thing for your skin, hair, bones, cells, nerves, heart, brain and more! The benefits go on and on.
There are so many incredible ways to use chia seeds. As they are water soluble, they soak up lots of stuff within your body, like toxins, while they’re making their way through your system. What does this mean? Well, let’s just say, your bowels will thank you. No, you won’t be rushing to the bathroom constantly, but you will have some amazing and life changing experiences on the ol’ porcelain throne. Yes, I’m talking about poop again. It’s my job.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Fibre makes your poop happy. But guess what else it does? It acts a bit like a broom, sweeping up some of the junk lingering within your pipes to flush it out. Upping your fibre intake will benefit your digestive system by helping to heal your gut. Also, if you’re worried about weight and/or bloating, throw some fibre into your face, pronto.
Don’t you think your tummy deserves some serious lovin? What if I told you that Prana Biovegan has come out with a new triple threat superfood that combines the amazing benefits of chia seeds with the super power of beneficial bacteria? ProactivCHIA takes the virtues of Omega-3, Vitamins & Minerals and adds them to the immune-enhancing benefits of probiotics.
Now, let’s talk about probiotics again. Derived from the Greek work “pro” meaning “promoting, and “biotic”, meaning “life”, probiotics are the beneficial bacteria required for healthy digestive function and improved immunity. Have you ever heard of the gut-brain connection? Your enteric nervous system, which is considered your second brain, is housed within your gut. Replenishing the healthy bacteria within your digestive tract can help to keep your nervous system communicating effectively and efficiently.
“Prana is delighted to share this wonderful new product that promotes digestive health while nourishing the body with organic, vegan and gluten-free sources of omega-3, vitamins and minerals. Chia on it’s own is a wonderful source of prebiotic fibre which helps feed gut flora, and now with the added goodness of probiotics, we are combining the natural virtues of chia with the life enhancing health benefits of probiotics”, said co-founder of Prana Biovegan, Marie-Josee Richer.
Each serving of ProactivCHIA contains 4 billion CFUs of probiotics from 2 live strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus. Recommended daily doses of probiotics vary upwards within the billions. Always speak to your health care professional to ensure that you’re obtaining the best possible results for you and your individual needs.
“Nutritional profile: A 30g (2tbsp) contains 11g of fibre, 4 g of protein, 9g of good fat in the form of omega-3, plus vitamins and minerals like calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B12”
Here are two of my favourite healthy breakfast recipes from Prana to help you flourish from within!
Wholesome ProactivCHIA Breakfast Bowl
(recipe by Prana)
Prep time: 15 minutes + soak all night
Yield: 1 serving
For the ProactivCHIA pudding:
1 1/2 cup almond milk
1 tsp ground vanilla
1 tbsp maple syrup
4 tbsp ProactivCHIA
For the smoothie:
1 banana
1 1/2 cup almond milk
1 tbsp blanched almond butter
1 Medjool date, pitted
1 tbsp cacao powder
Prepare your chia pudding the evening before, by combining all the ingredients for the pudding, in a mason jar. Shake vigorously. Every 10-15 minutes, shake the jar to make sure the seeds don’t stick to the bottom. In the morning, blend all the smoothie ingredients until smooth. Pour the ProactivCHIA pudding on one side of a bowl, then pour the smoothie mixture on the other side. Garnish with ProactivCHIA, maca powder, Goji berries, almonds and banana slices. Enjoy your superfood smoothie with a spoon!
ProactivCHIA Overnight Oatmeal
(recipe by Prana)
Prep time: 5 minutes + soak all night
Yield: 4 servings
2/3 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup pecans
1 tbsp nut butter (almond, hazelnut or walnut)
1/4 cup frozen or fresh wild blueberries
1 tsp ProactivCHIA
1/2 tsp lucuma powder (optional)
2/3 cup almond milk
1 tbsp maple syrup
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl except the almond milk and maple syrup. Divide the mixture evenly between four mason jars. Pour the milk and maple syrup on top, close the container and shake to mix everything together. Place in the fridge overnight. In the morning, add fresh seasonal fruit.
So there you have it folks! Omega 3 + Vitamins/Minerals + Probiotics = Triple threat
PRANA is a Quebec company that manufactures and markets healthy snacks, nuts and dried fruit, as well as chia seeds – all certified organic, Kosher, vegan, preservative-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, sulfite-free and, above all, free of compromise.
Make sure to follow along with the #CatherinesCabinet Instagram account! For more information and helpful tips, make sure to stay up to date with all things Health & Nutrition on my website, Catherine’s Cabinet.
In health,
Catherine Sugrue, CNP
Holistic Nutritionist
Photos: Prana Biovegan