Mango coconut chia pudding

This mango coconut chia pudding is great for a quick and easy weekday breakfast or a nutritious afternoon tea. It is packed with nutrient dense, delicious ingredients.

Why chia seeds?

Chia seeds are considered a superfood due to its high nutrient to calorie ratio and high anti-oxidant status.  Additionally it is a gluten free whole food with some stand out nutritional benefits, including:

• Exceptional source of both soluble and insoluble fibre (approximately 40%).  This assists with healthy bowel function and creates a conducive environment for the proliferation of ‘friendly’ gut bacteria, supporting immune function.

• One of highest plant sources of omega 3 fatty acids, essential for brain health, heart health as well as reducing inflammation.

•  Good source of protein, containing all eight essential amino acids.

•  Creates sense of satiety due to gel like expansion when mixed with fluid, thus may assist with weight loss.

•  Assists blood sugar regulation and maintenance of energy levels.

• Good source of minerals, including, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and phosphorus.

Chia seeds are easy to add to almost any meal to add nutrients.  We find bircher or chia puddings a particularly good way to add  chia to the diet as this meal is traditionally soaked overnight (or at least for 4-4 hours), allowing swelling of chia, assisting with digestion and ensuring enough liquid is consumed.   If seeds are not pre-soaked, it is important to drink plenty of water.

We’ve also added marine collagen to this recipe, to enhance the nutritional benefit.

Collagen is a protein that acts as the glue that holds our bodies together. Collagen is the second most abundant substance in our body behind water and is the building block of our tissues. Collagen makes up 75% of our skin, over 90% of our ligaments and tendons and 35% of our bones. Other structures that are primarily made of collagen are our hair, nails and cartilage.

In our mid-twenties, our collagen production begins to decrease at a rate of 2% a year and by our 50’s we’ve lost over half the amount of collagen in our bodies! This is what is known as the ageing process and is most noticeable in our skin and hair, whether it’s wrinkles, sagging skin, finer hair or grey hair.

Natural supplementation through Vida Glow, our choice when for a collagen supplement, increases the body’s collagen levels as well as the production of this super protein.

Collagen is an optional ingredient in this delicious mango coconut chia pudding, yet highly recommend!

Looking for more ways to include chia seeds in your diet? Try our almond chia granola. It’s a great smoothie bowl topper.