Chia Fresca: Benefits + 6 Tested And Validated Recipes

To face the scorching temperatures, nothing like a homemade lemonade to sip from morning to night! The only condition? Let her be Mexican! Lightweight, sugar-free and good for morale, chia fresca has been the star drink for a long time in Mexico and, now, for summer 2020. Easy to prepare at home, Mexican lemonade contains several health benefits, while providing a good feeling of satiety. Here is our full decryption!

Chia fresca - complete decryption of the new trendy and healthy drink

What exactly is this thing? After being all the rage on the Web, chia fresca is certainly the refreshing and energy drink for trendy and “healthy” girls that they sip without guilt and restriction. Usually made from chia seeds (beige or black), water and lemon juice, the trendy beverage is a natural source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which is also an excellent alternative to industrial lemonade.. By replacing the dyes and sugar contained in the latter with calcium and fiber minerals, you promote a healthier lifestyle, while adopting a new clever reflex: drink more water! But before getting to the heart of the matter, let's remember why it is so important to consume chia!

Why is consuming chia seeds important?

First, do you know about superfoods? The key to the beauty, health and figure of many celebrities today, superfoods are the food trend of the moment. And because of its multiple healthy properties, chia seed is one of them! Derived from the Salvia hispanica plant, it represents a real boost for the body and its immune system. It is therefore not surprising that chia seeds were an important food source for the Aztecs and for many Mexican peoples. They cultivated them for many benefits and, in particular, to fill up with energy before taking long walks. But how did they consume them? Definitely not in chia pudding for breakfast!

History and origin of chia agua fresca

According to some findings, Salvia hispanica was eaten roasted, ground and swelled in water. It was considered to be the third plant food source after corn and beans. Several years later, nowadays, chia agua fresca emerges on the Web and invades several Instagram accounts. Still very popular in Central America, chia is increasingly known and appreciated, especially among athletes because of its many nutrients, already mentioned (protein, omega 3, calcium, magnesium, fibers). Likewise, some of you will be delighted to know that this little super food is an excellent ally for losing weight effectively.

Long lasting satiety effect

With an exceptional potential to absorb nine times its weight in water, chia swells in the stomach, forming a gelatinous mass which, in turn, provides a feeling of lasting satiety. This is why, we must consume the superfood with plenty of water, either by drinking enough, or by soaking the seeds beforehand in liquid (water, cow's milk, vegetable milk, iced tea). Generally, for 35g of chia (the recommended daily dose) you should use around 140ml of water.

Slimming and fat-burning effect

In addition to providing a feeling of fullness, chia seeds have a good impact on the digestive system. The gel formed in the stomach slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. This stabilizes the metabolism and allows the body to have more energy without having to snack between meals. In other words, by drinking chia fresca, you significantly reduce the number of calories per day, which is one of the important conditions when you want to get rid of extra pounds effectively. A zero-caffeine energy cocktail, packed with nutrients and packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, Mexican lemonade will become your new morning ritual that will quickly replace the cup of coffee. Your organization will thank you!

Important source of protein and fiber

Contrary to popular belief, calorie deficit is not the key to effective weight loss. The composition of the nutrients also plays an important role. And thanks to their high protein content, chia seeds have the ability to replace many protein foods, such as eggs, and thus participate in the preparation of a good number of vegan recipes. To gain muscle mass and keep it, it is therefore essential to include a lot of protein in your menu. However, a slimming diet does not guarantee a balanced diet and enough protein. The result ? An unwanted loss of muscle mass. Very rich in fiber, chia seeds are also a good alternative to cereals. Just one tablespoon of chia is enough to cover the recommended daily allowance.

Homemade chia fresca - the basic recipe

Ingredients needed:

• 2 cups of filtered water
• 1.5 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
• 1 C. maple syrup, honey, agave syrup

Preparation:

Mix the chia with the water in a container of your choice and stir well. Set aside for 15 minutes so the seeds can "swell". Then add the lemon juice and the maple syrup, shake and it's ready! Much like ginger water and homemade iced tea, the chia fresca recipe can be flexed to your liking. You can therefore customize it as you see fit, depending on the season. Coconut water, mint leaves, ginger, red fruits, kiwi or apple slices, cucumber slices, rosemary sprigs or even basil, the choice is quite vast.

Tip:

You can also add chia seeds to your morning smoothie or homemade crufiture. It's healthy, it's easy and it's good for morale! Now, to you our 6 revisited chia fresca recipes.

Chia fresca with watermelon and raspberries

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. chia seeds
• 300 ml of water
• 1 dash of coconut nectar
• 600 g seedless watermelon
• the juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 handful of raspberries (optional)
• ice cubes (optional)
• fresh ginger (optional)

Preparation:

Pour the water into a glass bottle or pitcher and add the chia seeds. Stir well and let them soak for 15 min. Meanwhile remove the watermelon skin and mix it in the blender. Pour the watermelon juice, lemon juice and coconut nectar into the bottle. Add raspberries, ice cubes and a small slice of fresh ginger, if desired. Stir and put in the fridge for 2 hours before eating.

Chia agua fresca with hibiscus

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. dried hibiscus flowers
• 1 liter of filtered water
• 3 tbsp. maple syrup
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 4 tbsp. black chia seeds

Preparation:

Start by infusing the hibiscus flowers in water for 1 hour before straining. In a large mason jar or pitcher, pour the filtered water and add the maple syrup, lemon juice and chia seeds. Shake well and let swell in the fridge for 30 minutes. Serve cold.

Easy pomegranate lime chia agua fresca

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. chia seeds
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 C. lime juice

Preparation:

Put the chia in a glass and pour in the water, pomegranate juice and lime juice. Let swell in the fridge for 15 minutes. Stir well before serving. Enjoy!

Pineapple chia fresca

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of coconut water
• 2 tbsp. pineapple juice
• 1 C. chia seeds

Preparation:

Mix all the ingredients in your food processor and leave for 15 minutes in the fridge so that the chia seeds swell. Stir and transfer the lemonade to a pitcher before serving.

Chia fresca with orange and mint

Ingredients:

• 12 oranges
• mint leaves
• 1 C. chia seeds

Preparation:

Peel the oranges and put them in the juicer with the mint. Filter the juice through a sieve. Pour the juice into a mason jar and add the chia seeds. Stir and let swell in the fridge for 1 hour. Serve.