What makes this pudding green?
What makes this pudding the beautiful green color, you may ask? Well TBH, it’s cyanobacteria. Yeah, that’s right, Spirulina, to be exact. This cyanobacterium is a type of algae that has been used throughout history for its health properties. One tablespoon is an excellent source of protein, vitamins like B1, B2, B3, and minerals like copper and iron.
Spirulina can be used as an alternative treatment for allergic rhinitis (inflammation in your nasal passageways) and can help reduce the symptoms of nasal discharge, congestion, and sneezing.
The antitoxic properties of Spirulina can help in counteracting common pollutants in the body like – arsenic, fluoride, iron, lead, and mercury.
It has also been shown to support cardiovascular health by improving your blood pressure and “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as boasts anti-cancer properties.
It may also help improve your gut health. Animal studies indicate Spirulina can help support a healthy gut microbiome as you age. And with the added fiber with from the Chia Seeds, it’s safe to say this is a pro-gut health dessert!
It is crucial to purchase a high-quality, organic version of Spirulina for maximum health benefits and to research the company that produces the Spirulina to make sure there aren’t any contaminants.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are high in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats and mild in flavor, which makes them a great ingredient to use for pudding. You can use them blenderized or in natural form for this recipe. It will only change the smoothness and texture, but they will still solidify and make a pudding-like consistency. It’s amazing how versatile this little seed is.
Health benefits of copper
Copper is a very OVERLOOKED mineral -in my opinion, and just 17g of spirulina (or 1 TBS) can meet your daily RDA need. Here are just a FEW of the things that copper helps your body do:
1. Copper helps your body eliminate excess histamine: Histamine intolerance can be mistakenly diagnosed and is more common than you think. Histamine intolerance has been linked to symptoms like acid reflux, poor digestion, and anxiety. Copper helps your body eliminate histamine and could help prevent or treat its harmful symptoms.
2. Copper Helps strengthen collagen: Collagen is essential for bone and skin health. Copper works with Vitamin C to help strengthen bones and improve your skin. Copper and Vitamin C also work together to promote thyroid and adrenal health.
3. Copper helps us make platelets (vital for blood clotting and immune health) and allows our bodies to use iron efficiently.
4. Copper can help with mental health by helping our bodies regulate serotonin and help us produce dopamine.
Given all the health properties and benefits of this pudding – and that it also tastes delicious – this recipe is worth a try!
Let me know what you think?!
Ingredients
1 tsp of organic Spirulina powder
3 1/2 TBS Chia Seeds
1 tsp Vanilla
2 1/2 TBS Maple Syrup
12 oz Dairy-Free Milk (my favorite brand here)
Optional toppings: white or dark chocolate chips (my favorite brand here)
Source: Chris Masterjohn, PHD: Vitamins & Minerals 101
Green Chia Pudding - Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Spirulinia
- 3 1/2 TBS Chia Seeds
- 12 oz Milk
- 1 tsp of vanilla
- 2 1/2 TBS Maple Syrup
Directions
- Step 1 Combine all ingredients into a food process or blender.
- Step 2 Add chia seeds last to mixture for better processing.
- Step 3 Blenderize on med/high until all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 4 Transfer to a bowl or dish and refridgerate for aprox 2 – 4 hours to set.
- Step 5 Serve chilled. Garnish with with white or dark chocolate.
