Red Smoothie Detox Factor PDF / eBook: Liz Swann Miller's Recipe Review & Free Download | Page 58

Chia seeds come from a flowering member of the mint family. These tiny seeds were so precious to the Incas that they were reserved for expectant mothers and warriors. Each chia seed is a nutritional powerhouse, with every serving containing an incredible 4.9 grams of the valuable Omega-3 essential fatty acid your body craves. In addition, each serving contains 4 grams of protein and meets 17% of your daily calcium requirement. According to research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic, chia seeds improve blood pressure in diabetics, and it may even increase healthy (HDL) cholesterol while reduc- ing bad (LDL) and total cholesterol numbers. 8 All of this is great news for your heart! Beyond their ability to provide amazing nutrients, chia seeds give your smoothies a luscious, creamy texture while making them more filling. To unlock their nutrients and make them easier to digest, soak them in pure water for 10 to 15 minutes before making your smoothie, then just toss them in with the rest of the ingredients, where they will blend right in. Soaking your seeds first might seem like a bit of a pain, but don’t skip this step! If you do, the fiber inside the chia seeds will soak the moisture out of your smoothie and could leave you with a lumpy, gelatinous mess in the blender or your smoothie container. If you want, you can soak your seeds for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before adding them. Any longer, and the nutrients may begin to deteriorate. Red Smoothie Detox Factor | Elizabeth Swann Miller [email protected] 58