Açai Chia pudding

If you’re looking for an easy and nutritious snack idea to keep you energized, then look no further than this superfood pudding!

These small but mighty seeds are packed with protein, fibre, and omega-3.

In the Mayan language chia means ‘strength’, and for good reason!

Ancient civilizations attributed their stamina and endurance to their regular consumption of chia seeds, especially before battles.

In modern day, you can include chia seeds (white or black) into your oatmeal, cereal, salad, smoothie, and baking.

Their high nutritional value has gained them popularity, although the first records of chia seeds date back to as early as 3500 B.C (by the Aztecs).

When soaked, chia seeds take on a gelatinous texture, making them the perfect base for a delicious pudding.

Now let’s put the spotlight on açai for a moment.

Did you know that açai is a powerful anti-aging berry?!

It is jam packed with skin-loving antioxidants which help to prevent pre-mature wrinkles and promotes the healthy regeneration of skin cells.

If that isn’t enough, açai berry extract produced impressive results for its anti-cancerous properties.

In a study from the University of Florida (published in the 2006 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry), açai berry extract was able to kill up to 86% of leukemia cancer cells when applied directly to them.

Make this Amazonian berry a staple in your diet to reap its many health benefits!

Here are the ingredients for this superfood smoothie:

(makes 4 servings)

1/2 cup of white or black chia seeds

3 tbsp of açai berry powder

3 tbsp of maple syrup

unsweetened almond milk

top with pomegranates (optional)

Place the chia seeds (1/2 cup) in a bowl. Begin to add the almond milk little by little. Stir with a fork as you add the milk to break down any clumps that form.

When you have reached the desired thickness add the açai berry powder (3 tbsp) and maple syrup (3 tbsp) into the mix. When all ingredients have been well stirred, place the pudding in the fridge for at least half hour.

Serve chilled and top with pomegranates or your favourite berries. Enjoy this nutrient-rich pudding and share with friends!

SOURCES: www.ancientgrains.com, www.foodmatters.com, www.superlife.com,  news.ufl.edu/…/brazilian-berry-destroys-cancer-cells-in-lab-uf-study-shows