Snapguide, Contests, and Tea

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Snapguide has recently released a new maker contest in affiliation with DAVIDsTEA. If you do not know, Snapguide is a user submitted app and website where we can create and look at guides on cooking, DIY projects, workouts (cough, cough, I'm here), and a bit more as well. DAVIDsTEAS is also a pretty fantastic site for all your tea loving needs. This has actually worked out quite splendidly for me since I am currently trying to kick the coffee and add more tea to my life.

Contest winners can win anything from $850 to $250 worth of DAVIDsTEAS products. Best part, there are going to be six winners in this contest! If you are feeling extra creative and super tea loving, enter here. All you need to do is create a guide that uses tea in a not-so-traditional way by March 19th, just in time for my birthday!

Check out How to Make Matcha Facial Mask for Sensitive Skin! by Ruth O. on Snapguide.

Check out How to Cook Whiskey Infused Pu'er Poached Pears by Karen Hoefener on Snapguide.

Although I am not quite sure what my addition will be just yet, I am loving some of the other entries. These are a few of my hands down favorites that I cannot wait to make. Really, who thought of making a green tea whiskey infused poached pear? Kuddos to anyone who has considered that before, it sounds incredible and I want to eat it now.

Check out How to Make Tea Encrusted Scallops by Lisa Marie Ritchat on Snapguide.

Check out How to Make Chocolate Chocolate Rocket Chia Seed Pudding by Sherrie Gao on Snapguide.

The Benefits of Chia

Chia seeds are high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, these long chain fatty acids are needed for our body's daily function. Omega-3 fatty acids help with lowering cholesteral and decreasing the risks of cardiovascular disease. These fatty acids are also used in our bodies for proper brain function, in our joints for anti inflammatory benefits, and as a response to disease. In some cases, omega fatty acids have even been found to help with ADHD!

​Although chia is a great source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (over 6,000 milligrams!) it is not a good source of EPA or DHA. DHA is the primary structural component of the human brain, epidermis, and retina. EPA is a carboxylic acid and the precursor to DHA. EPA can be found in algae, cold water fish, and breast milk. Likewise, DHA is found in breast milk and cold water fish. The good news about Omega-3 is that our body's can synthesize both EPA and DHA from it.

This little wonder seed is also a great source of protein. Chia scores a 115 on the amino acid scale. Anything above a 100 is considered a whole protein because of the complete source of needed amino acids. Chia has the optimal distribution of all nine needed amino acids recommended by the Institute of Medicine. These nine amino acids are the only ones that our body cannot synthesize. Because of this, they are a vital part of our daily diet. In clinical studies, a lack of the essential amino acids showed symptoms of dizziness, nervousness, and exhaustion.

There are 4.4 grams of protein per one ounce of chia, fantastic news for any vegans or vegetarians out there!

One of the quickest and easiest ways to use Chia seeds is to sprinkle them over food or mix them into your usual smoothie. Raw, or unsoaked chia is so small, that they can be added to most foods and not even noticed. One of my favorite ways to use Chia is sprinkled over eggs. Don't let that limit you though, Chia can be used on everything including meats and vegetables at dinner or, sprinkled over your dessert!

Use about one teaspoon in your smoothie for some great health benefits that you will not even notice you are eating. ​Chia are about the size of strawberry seeds, but pack a massive punch in health. Adding these in will give your usual smoothie a jump in minerals, vitamins, and protein.