CHIA OMEGA PUDDING

This satisfying nutritious pudding is a healthy way to start your day.

Chia Seed Benefits:
Packed with protein, fibre, antioxidants and minerals, the omega-3 molecule is unique in its ability to rapidly change its shape. This exceptional flexibility of omega-3's is passed to organs that absorb it. Omega-3s thin the blood of humans and animals as well as the sap of plants. As a result of these qualities, omega-3's are utilized by the fastest functioning organs in the body. For example, omega-3's enable our hearts to beat properly, our blood to flow freely, our eyes to see, and our brains to make decisions faster and more clearly.

The omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, serve the opposite function: they thicken the blood of humans and animals as well as the juices of plants. Omega-6's solidify and cause inflammation of the tissues. Some scientists link an excess of omega-6's in the human diet with such conditions as heart disease, stroke, arthritis, asthma, menstrual cramps, diabetes, headaches, and tumor metastases. 

Total Omega-3 fatty acids in 1 ounce    4915 mg (3 times) more omega 3's
Total Omega-6 fatty acids in 1 ounce    1620 mg 

Fig Benefits:  calcium promoting bone density; iron for energy; dietary fibre to nourish and tone intestines; potassium for lowering blood pressure; magnesium is nerve and muscle relaxer; highly alkaline to balance body pH levels; B vitamins which are nerve tonics; have anti-diabetic properties to help stabilize blood sugar and explains why they are good at curbing sugar cravings.

Chia Omega Pudding
Yield:  3/4 cup

1 Tbsp Chia seeds

1/4 cup water

2 large Calimyrna Figs, chopped

1 banana

1 tsp raw carob powder

Cinnamon - optional 

• Soak Chia seeds in 1/4 cup water for 15 minutes until it thickens into a gel
• Soak Figs separately in enough water to cover for 15 minutes and save the soak water
• Blend Chia mixture, banana, figs, and carob powder in a blender, adding fig soak water as needed to keep blender moving
• If using a small Tribest blender (pictured here) add each ingredient a bit at a time until smoothly blended - Enjoy!

How to Grow Sprouts

Growing sprouts at home is so easy! Nutritious and inexpensive, sprouts are full of enzymes, vitamins and amino acids. 

You'll need a wide-mouth Mason jar, mesh top or cheesecloth and a rubber band to secure it, or use the ring part of the lid, and seeds.

Soak seeds overnight in filtered water and drain in the morning.

As they grow the sprouts will gradually completely fill the jar. For a pint jar use 1 tablespoon seeds - for a quart jar use 2 tablespoons of seeds.

How to Grow Sprouts

• Measure 1 tablespoon of Organic sprouting seeds (I like Red Clover or Alfalfa) and place into a pint-size Mason jar that will hold 2 cups water
• Pour enough filtered water to cover the seeds, and put on a lid with holes to allow drainage 
• Leave the jar on the counter overnight - in the morning drain off the water, rinse again and leave the jar turned upside down to drain
• Leave the jar on the counter but keep out of the light
• Continue this process by rinsing the seeds 2-3 times daily for the next 5 to 7 days 
• On the last day place in indirect sunlight to green up the sprouts (causing chlorophyll to develop) 
• When the sprouts have grown and filled the jar, empty them into a bowl
• Using your hands to pull apart the sprouts helps to loosen seed husks which can now be discarded
• Lift the cleaned sprouts and put back into the jar 
• The sprouts are now ready to eat - place the jar in the fridge - and enjoy!