Chia seeds are well-known in the health and wellness sphere.
This is all thanks to their high omega-3 fatty acid levels, antioxidants, fiber, and more — it’s safe to say that if you’re going to have a pudding treat, you can’t go wrong with chia seed pudding!
Whether you’re starting your day or looking for that perfect midday pick-me-up, this chia pudding recipe will nourish your body, soothe your soul, and lift your spirits. So, if you’re looking for more ways to add chia seeds to your diet, this is one of many.
Grab your spoons, and let’s get mixing.
In this article, we offer up the easiest chia seed pudding recipe and how it benefits your mental health.
When I say this is easy to make, I mean it’s literally mixing the ingredients twice.
Besides that, the rest of the time is waiting for it set. I recommend doing this the night before if you intend to have it for breakfast since the two-hour wait can be a long one when you’re hungry first thing. Plus, this recipe does well in the fridge overnight.
So, let’s find out how to make this one!
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While chia pudding can be a nutritious and healthy addition to your diet with potential mental health benefits, it's important to remember that no single food is a cure-all.
Mental health is complex and can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle, and diet.
A balanced diet, including a variety of nutrients, alongside regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and stress management techniques, can all contribute to better mental health.
Additionally, if you're considering dietary changes for mental health benefits, it might also be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietitian to ensure your diet is balanced and suitable for your individual health needs. Again, one food won’t make huge changes. At the same time, every little bit counts.
So, with all that in mind, how can chia seed pudding help support your mental well-being?
Well, chia seeds contain plenty of nutrients that are well-known to boost mood and alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression. So, let’s break this down further.
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and function. They have further been linked to a lower risk of depression and anxiety.
In fact, this chia seed pudding contains all the omega-3s you’ll need to meet your daily quota of healthy fats.
Fiber plays an important role in our diet and overall health.
Fiber refers to indigestible carbohydrates, meaning our body doesn’t absorb them. Instead, the bacteria in our gut consume fiber, contributing to a healthy gut microbiome. So, what does this have to do with mental health?
Well, there's a growing body of evidence supporting the gut-brain axis theory, which suggests that a healthy gut can contribute to a healthy mind. A balanced gut microbiome has been linked to improved mood and cognitive health. In other words, when our gut is happy so are we!
These seeds are also packed with antioxidants.
Antioxidants protect your cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation; chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to be underlying factors in the development of various mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
Thus, by keeping this to a minimum, your doing your mental (and physical) health tons of good.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in mood regulation. Higher levels of serotonin are associated with a better mood and a reduced risk of depression.
On top of this, serotonin is a precursor to melatonin, which plays an invaluable role in our sleep-wake cycle.
And we all know… when we don’t sleep well, our mood plummets. We get cranky. We feel down and out. Thus, chia seeds tackle your mental health from multiple angles. They don’t just contribute to a better mood, but also help you sleep better, which can mean you feel better too!
Magnesium plays a critical role in nerve function and mood regulation, potentially reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Meanwhile, zinc is crucial for neural development and function and has been linked to mood disorders when deficient. This means getting enough of both is crucial, and chia seeds might help you do that.
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It takes two seconds to make (I’m not even kidding). So, why not save yourself the hassle of breakfast tomorrow and throw this together? All you’ll need to do is grab a spoon and your bowl or jar from the fridge and dig in!
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