Tea Pigs

Allow me to introduce you to Tea Pigs!!! The brand was created in the UK in 2006 and has slowly made it's way to South Africa.

Beauty-Worx and The Victorian Garden {Review}

At the #BWB Christmas in July meet-up we were each given a little something from Beauty-Workx as well as a personal message from Wendy which was very sweet. 

Rain - Bee Essential Range {Review}

Africa is the original home of the honeybee and the skin-nourishing properties of honey have been known to cultures across the continent for thousands of years.

McNab's Feel Good {Giveaway}

Last week I was introuduced to Mc'Nabs Feel Good products. I was invited to their offices at The Energy Works in Parkwood which was Jozi’s first true eco-building. In addition to being a great place in which to make stuff that helps other people feel good, it collects its own rain water and generates its own electricity so it’s kinder to the earth.

Suigo {Review}

At the last Bloggers Who Bless meet-up we had a Christmas in July onsie/pj night and we were so spoiled!

Pureberry

Pureberry believes in Freedom and Purity. Their yogurt is FREE from refined cane sugar, Free from saturated fat, FREE from artificial colourants (E numbers) and flavours. They only use natural ingredients to flavour their delicious yogurt.

Chia Seeds

My newest obsession is Chia seeds and I am starting to see them EVERYWHERE. I bought a little packet for R10 (they're so reasonably priced) and have been playing around with them.

Chia seeds are native to South America and have been a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets for centuries. Today, they draw the interest of many people for their health benefits and uses in cooking. It turns out the South American staple is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants.

Why Chia seeds are good for you

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Chia seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3s in chia seeds can help reduce inflammation, enhance cognitive performance and reduce high cholesterol.

Fiber

Fiber is associated with reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol and regulating bowel function. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, with a whopping 10 grams in only 2 tablespoons. That is one-third of the daily recommended intake of fiber per day.

Antioxidants

Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, aging and cancer. The high antioxidant profile also helps them have a long shelf life. They last almost two years without refrigeration.

Minerals

Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 18 percent of the DRI for calcium, 35 percent for phosphorus, 24 percent for magnesium and about 50 percent for manganese. These nutrients help you prevent hypertension and maintain a healthy weight, and are important for energy metabolism and a part of DNA synthesis.

Satiety

Satiety is the feeling of being full and satisfied, which helps lower food cravings between meals. The combination of protein, fiber and the gelling action of chia seeds when mixed with liquids all contribute to their satiating effects.

Gluten-Free

Chia seeds contain no gluten or grains. Therefore, all of the nutritional benefits of chia seeds can be obtained on a gluten-free diet.

Egg Replacer

The outer layer of chia seeds swells when mixed with liquids to form a gel. This can used in place of eggs to lower cholesterol and increase the nutrient content of foods and baked goods. To make the egg replacement, mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 15 minutes. This substitutes 1 egg but does not work in place of eggs for omelettes. 

Can Be Digested Whole

Unlike flaxseeds, which are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and minerals, chia seeds do not need to be ground in order to obtain their nutrient or egg- replacement benefits.

Dyslipidemia

A study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" showed that chia seeds as a dietary fat source can lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels while increasing HDL or "good" cholesterol. 

Blood Sugar Regulation

Chia seeds can play an important role in regulating insulin levels. They can reduce insulin resistance and decrease abnormally high levels of insulin in the blood.

Increase Energy Levels

Chia is one of nature’s highest plant-based sources of complete protein. Usually protein from items like peanut butter. and some beans are incomplete, meaning you have to combine them with other foods to get the full benefit. Not Chia though, it’s protein is complete to raise your energy levels. The combination of complete protein, vitamins, minerals and blood-sugar balancing gel all work together to make sure you have steady, never jittery energy.

So far I have only used chia seeds to add a decorative element to both sweet and savory meals.

Butternut Soup

Strawberries and cream

With so many uses and health benefits, I will definitely be playing more with these seeds!