Chia seeds are protein- & fiber-rich and excellent for digestive health. This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of creamy peanut butter, cinnamon, cherries & figs.
When our qi, or energy, is low, our bodies have a hard time catching up. Qi deficiency can occur for a number of reasons: lack of sleep, being overly busy, poor diet and nutrition, excessive worry or rumination, sadness, etc. And when qi - AKA: our vital life force energy - is diminished, we become more susceptible to illness, depression, digestive issues, insomnia, and even worry and anxiety.
Chia seeds are known to be rich in omega-3s, magnesium, and provide anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s are beneficial for brain health, and magnesium can help to increase the production of serotonin, promoting increased feelings of calm.
But there's another layer to the anxiety-easing benefits of this powerful little seed. In both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western nutrition, chia seeds are recognized as a balancing force for the gut microbiome, which modern science now widely recognizes plays a significant part in our mental and emotional health. The mucilage fiber, which creates the gelatinous outer layer when chia seeds are moistened, can calm the gut, boost satiety, and ease constipation - all of which can help with weight loss and strengthen digestion. From a TCM perspective, foods that "boost qi" generally benefit the digestive system. Seeds, in general, are said to have a downward movement of energy, which can be grounding and calming for anxious energy.
Add to that a gob of protein-rich peanut butter, which can also aid anxiety by regulating blood sugar and helping you to feel fuller longer. Peanut butter, figs, and cherries all contain nutrients that are considered blood and qi boosting, the two main TCM imbalances underlying many cases of anxiety and even depression.
For additional support, if you suffer from anxiety, we recommend seeking out, not only a great therapist but an NCCAOM-certified acupuncturist, who can work with you on your mental health from a more holistic standpoint. Within the scope of TCM, many mental health issues can arise - or simply be exacerbated - when the body is deficient in certain ways (like a chemical imbalance), and a TCM-based acupuncturist or herbalist can help you find the best, most customized support to aid you in your healing journey.
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