Native to Mexico and Guatemala, “Chia” is a flowering plant in the mint family with an extensive history of use by humans.  The Aztec culture featured chia seeds as a vital part of their diet and chia is packed with antioxidants, fiber, minerals.  Chia consumption has been touted to bring better heart health, improvement in blood sugar levels, inflammation reduction, weight management, bone health, and even anti-cancer properties.   But chia is more versatile that just growing bearded ceramic sculptures on your kitchen windowsill or creating a healthy pudding alternative.  Chia can be incorporated into a variety of recipes and will add a nice poppy texture as well as a bunch of nutrition.  Research has shown that bread containing chia seeds seems to trigger a lowered blood sugar response than traditional bread, and in turn helps to prevent high blood sugar levels.  We absolutely love the Chia Seed Banana Bread recipe below. It is packed with chia seeds, which helps mitigate the blood sugar spike that is common with banana bread, and is an even more delicious, healthier alternative to traditional banana bread recipes.

Chia Seed Banana Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

2 Cup All-purpose Flour

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1 ¼ Cup Chia Seeds

1/4 tsp. Sea Salt

1/2 Cup Butter (Softened)

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1/2 Cup Maple Syrup

2 Eggs. (Beaten)

4-5 Overripe Bananas (Mashed)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F (~ 170 degrees C).  Butter sides and bottom of 9×5 inch Loaf Pan.

In a large mixing bowl combine flour, chia seeds, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl cream butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup.  Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well combined. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture just until flour has become moist; do not over stir or the bread may be tough. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes.  Bread is done when a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean without little crumbs attached.

Remove from oven and let the bread sit in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Enjoy with tea for a delicious and nutritious afternoon snack.