10 in other words june16 2016 An Unusual Culinary Column: Chia Seeds, The New Rage By Karen Kain You don’t have to look far these days to come across a chia seed drink. They seem to be everywhere. What is it about those tiny seeds that when soaked overnight become a blown up gooey gel and why are those drinks so darn expen- sive? First I am going to tell you why chia seeds are so good for you and then I am going to share some super simple and delicious ways to start adding them to your diet. First of all chia seeds are a great addition to your diet because they have more omega 3 than salmon, more potas- sium than bananas, more calcium than milk, and are loaded with antioxidants. Chia seeds are rich in B vitamins, thia- mine and niacin; they are also a great source of riboflavin and folate. Let’s not forget, they are a nice source of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manga- nese, phosphorus and zinc. They are an excellent source of protein, which help to strengthen bones and are also energizing. Chia seed drinks can be a healthy alternative to those dangerous energy drinks. Chia seeds boost your en- ergy level without the toxic ingredients and side effects. Chia seeds also aid in weight loss because they are high in fiber and help to digest your food more regularly and they don’t build up in your system impeding the liver and circulation. They help brain function because of the amount of fiber and iron, they also aid in purifying your blood, which helps with emotional stability. Chia seeds aid in weight loss because consuming them makes you feel full and Vernonia Christian Church June 20-24 410 North Street K-6 grade & 7-12 grade at 6:00 pm www.vacationbibleschool.com/vernoniavbs 9:00 am - 12:15 pm 503-429-6522 or Kari 503-701-3988 they are guilt free! If you are not convinced to add chia seeds to your diet by the above, you might also appreciate that they help to Directions: Put the chia seeds into the warm water and stir to fully combine, seal and store in the refrigerator overnight. The recipe calls for equal parts of chia seeds to juice but you can make your own combina- tion, 75% juice to 25% seeds is also de- licious. Just stir and enjoy. Hibiscus Chia Seed Drink Ingredients: 1 Cup of warm water 3 Tablespoons chia seeds ½ Cup of hibiscus tea 1-2 Drops of stevia or a tablespoon of honey ¼ Cup of sparkling water Directions: lower your risk of heart disease, being Put the chia seeds into the warm water high in omega-3, calcium and fiber, help- and stir to fully combine, seal and store ing the heart and blood vessels function in the refrigerator overnight. Add 1 cup optimally. They are also low in calories of chia seeds mixture to ½-cup tea and and they have been found to help man- ½ cup of sparkling water, stir and enjoy. age blood sugar levels due to their high fiber content. You might also be happy to Sweet and Sour Chia Drink know that they are inexpensive and have Ingredients: a long shelf life. How can you start enjoying ¼ Cup fresh lime or lemon juice these healthy seeds? You can sprinkle 1/3 Cup agave nectar them onto salads; add to smoothies, pan- ¼ Cup chia seeds cakes, muffins or oatmeal. Chia seeds 10 Cups water are super easy to prepare, you just soak them over night and then you are ready Directions: to make chia drinks or chia pudding. You Soak the chia seeds overnight sealed in 1 can use regular water or coconut water cup of water in the refrigerator. Add the and for a creamier drink, use almond remainder ingredients and enjoy. milk. I have tried many different com- binations and I found that freshly juiced Chia Seed Pudding watermelon is my favorite. You can add the seeds making a 50/50 combination Ingredients: or 25% seeds and 75% juice. Please feel 6 Tablespoons chia seeds free to get creative and add to your fa- 2 Cups coconut or almond milk 1 Tablespoon flax seed vorite juice or tea or any other drink. I hope that these recipes help The zest of one orange you to stay cool and as always, I would 3 Tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste love to hear what you are cooking. Directions: Add the chia seeds and flax seed to the Watermelon Chia Seed Drink milk and stir to fully combine then let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. Add Ingredients: the zest and maple syrup to taste and 1 Cup of warm water serve alone or over your favorite fruit. 3 Tablespoons chia seeds 1 Cup of watermelon juice Karen Kain can be reached at 1 Sprig of mint KarenKain8@icloud.com. Vernonia’s Voice is published twice each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Look for our next issue on July 7th. O noohmn O `hmshmf 503-429-7101 Shl Onoohmn 19025 Vnncr Qn`c Udqmnmh`, NQ 97064 Khbdmrdc Anmcdc Hmrtqdc BBL#90548 Grey Dawn Gallery 879 Bridge St. (503) 429-2787 Photography - Bronze Jewelry - Glasswork Pottery - Custom Framing www.greydawngallery.com Featuring the finest in northwest art Visit US today for all your financial needs! Goddess Glass Designs Juli, Teresa, Margy & Joy Josh, Josh, Teresa, Nola, Stepheny 905 Bridge Street (503) (503) 429-6271 429-6271 Julie Krengielski (971) 226-6378 Beautiful things for this world goddessglassdesign@yahoo.com usbank.com Member FDIC Creatures LLC Pets, Feeds, Supplies, Tack, U-Wash Facility, Childrens Toys, Gifts, Novelies & More... 503-429-PETS (7387) 998 Bridge Street Vernonia, OR 97064 Mon-Fri 10:00am-6:00pm Sat 10:00am-5:00pm Sun 12:00pm-4:00pm Creatures@frontier.com Facebook: Creatures-pet-shop