You already know all the health properties of oranges (here is more information) but have you ever tried chia seeds? In this article we will talk more about this extraordinary plant already used by Aztecs and Mayas thousands of years ago.

Below, you will find different recipes with oranges and chia seeds as main ingredients. If you start your day with these healthy nutrients, you will have energy to face any challenge. In addition, chia seeds will help you lose weight if this is your purpose.

They are also essential to improve concentration and memory as they contain a lot of Omega 3. Read on to learn more and try these recipes with our delicious oranges! They are very simple and provide numerous nutrients that will keep you healthy.

What are chia seeds?

Chia (salvia hispanica) is a plant native to the mountains of Mexico and about 3,500 years ago it was already one of the staple foods of the Aztecs and Mayas who used this seed in various nutritional and medicinal preparations. This is probably the origin of the name of the Mexican state of Chiapas, which in the Nahuatl language means "chia water". In this region, chia seeds are mixed with water, lemon and sugar to obtain a refreshing and very nutritious drink.

The use of this seed has been disappearing over time. At the end of the last century, interest in the chia seed resurfaced and, thanks to Dr. Wayne Coates and a research and development program at the University of Arizona, its cultivation was revived in 1991. It is currently cultivated mainly in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru.

Benefits of chia seeds

Chia seeds contain large amounts of calcium, antioxidants, iron, soluble fiber, protein, potassium and Omega 3 fatty acids. They are also a good source of magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin and zinc. They are also rich in vitamin E and contain vitamin C and B vitamins. Here you can read more about the composition of chia seeds. Some of the most important benefits of chia seeds are:

• IMPROVES DIGESTION AND HELPS LOSE WEIGHT: Thanks to the high concentration in mucilage, a type of soluble fiber, chia seed has the ability to increase in volume and absorb liquid. In this way, it stimulates peristalsis and helps to control hunger due to its satiating effect. The carbohydrates in food are absorbed little by little and, therefore, there is less appetite for sweets. In addition, fiber facilitates the passage of food through the intestine and is perfect for preventing and remedying constipation. Omega 3 fatty acids also promote the transport of nutrients and improve metabolism, thus allowing the elimination of fats.
• AGAINST CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES: Thanks to Omega 3 fatty acids, soluble fiber and antioxidants, chia seed helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. Omega 3 helps lower triglyceride and bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. The recommended daily amount of Omega 3 is 4 grams which is equivalent to two teaspoons of chia seeds.
• REGULATES SUGAR LEVELS: Fiber slows the absorption of carbohydrates and thus regulates blood glucose levels. Chia seeds have a low glycemic index and are recommended for people with diabetes.

Because chia seeds do not contain gluten, they are highly recommended for people with celiac disease.

Chia seeds can be purchased whole, as flour or in the form of oil. In our recipes we use the whole seeds that can be bought in any herbalist's shop.

What is the recommended daily dose?

We recommend one teaspoon in the morning and one teaspoon at dinner.

Chia seeds and oranges

Recipe 1: Chia and Orange Pudding

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 50 g almonds (hazelnuts or walnuts, or a mixture)
• 2 teaspoons of agave syrup or honey
• 1/2 vanilla
• 1 orange from citrusricus.com
• a little cinnamon

Preparation

• Soak the almonds overnight. The next day wash them and grind them in a blender with 200 ml of water to obtain almond milk.
• Add the chia seeds, agave syrup, vanilla and cinnamon and mix well all the ingredients.
• Wait about an hour.
• In the meantime you can prepare the orange cream: peel the orange and crush it. If necessary, you can add a little water.
• Pour the mixture into small glasses and top with the orange cream.

Recipe 2: Orange Smoothie with chia seeds

Ingredients

• 2 carrots
• 2 apples
• 4 oranges from citrusricus.com
• 2 teaspoons of chia seeds
• 4-5 ice cubes
• if necessary, sugar

Preparation

• Peel and chop the fruits and blend in a blender, add the ice cubes and blend again.
• At the end add 2 teaspoons of chia seeds and the smoothie is ready to serve.

Recipe 3: Chia seeds and orange cake

Ingredients

• 2 oranges from citrusricus.com
• 6 eggs
• 200 g sugar (Xylitol can also be used)
• 250 g almond flour (ground almond)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 170ºC.
• OPTION 1: Only the orange pulp is used. Peel the oranges and grind the pulp to obtain a cream.
• OPTION 2: The orange peel is also used. As you probably know, our oranges oranges do not undergo any kind of chemical post-treatment, so the peel can and should be used perfectly well. Slice the polos and cook the oranges in water at low temperature for about 45 minutes. Then puree the whole orange (including the peel).
• Mix the eggs and sugar, add the almond flour and baking powder and mix well. Add the orange puree and the chia seeds. Pour the batter into a 22-centimeter diameter baking pan.
• Bake for about 45 minutes.

We hope you liked the information and recipes. They are perfect for a good breakfast, start the day with oranges and lots of energy!

If you want to order Valencian oranges online at home, visit our website citrusricus.com. To to know more about this world as well as to know all the news and interesting recipes, become a fan of our websitebecome a fan on our Facebook or subscribe to our blog.