Protect your heart at the start of your day with this easy breakfast recipe

Chia seeds’ ability to reverse inflammation, regulate cholesterol and lower blood pressure make it extremely beneficial to consume for heart health. Also, by reversing oxidative stress, someone is less likely to develop atherosclerosis when they’re regularly consuming chia seeds. For such a tiny seed, chia is quite high in healthy fats boasting more Omega-3 fatty acids than salmon. Omega-3’s work to protect the heart by lowering blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and inflammation. Inflammation can put strain on blood vessels and cause heart disease. So by eating chia seeds you can boost and protect your heart!

Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding

Vegan, Gluten-free

Prep time: 5 mins

Total time: 5 mins *must be made the night before if eating for breakfast

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (you can also use coconut milk or any other milk you prefer)

3 TB chia seeds

1 tbsp. maple syrup, honey or sweetener of choice

½ tsp. vanilla extract

Dash of cinnamon

Suggested Toppings:

Blood orange segments and pistachios

Mixed berries and lemon zest

Diced mango, toasted coconut, and dark chocolate shavings

Sliced Bananas with cinnamon

Blueberries, toasted almonds and maple syrup

Granola and dried fruit

Instructions

In a bowl, add milk, chia seeds, maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whisk together. Let sit for 5 minutes and whisk again. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Top with toppings of choice and enjoy. The chia pudding will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.