CHIA LIME PARFAITS WITH MANGO

For the Crumble:

1 1/2 cups almond meal

3/4 cup walnuts

9 Medjool dates, pitted

1 1/2 t vanilla extract

1 t stevia (Sweet Leaf)

1/8 t Himalayan sea salt

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor fitted with the "S" shaped chopping blade. Pulse and process until crumbly. Set aside

For the filling:

1 large avocado, pitted and peeled

1 (13.5 oz.) can coconut milk

Zest of 1 large lime

3/4 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice (or juice of about 3 large limes)

1/2 cup xylitol

4 drops Lime essential oil

1 t stevia (Sweet Leaf)

1/3 cup chia seeds

1 large mango, diced

Combine all except the chia seeds and mango in a blender and whirl until smooth. Add the chia seeds and pulse the blender enough to just incorporate the seeds into the mix. Pour a small amount into parfait glasses, top with a little of the crumble and then some mangoes. Repeat. Chill 1 or more hours. Serves 8. ©Janice Moreland http://thekitchentwist.com

THE TWIST

Chia lime parfaits have a ton of health benefits, more than I could possibly mention here but here are a few healthy reasons to make these the next time you crave a fun and sweet treat.

The lime is famous for being a cure of scurvy, the disease which is caused due to a vitamin C deficiency and characterized by frequent infections with cough and cold; cracked lips, ulcers in tongue and mouth with swollen and bleeding gums. Other benefits of this little green citrus fruit are that it keeps the skin shining and reduces body odor, it aids digestion and helps solve constipation. Limes contain special compounds with detoxifying properties which help heal peptic and oral ulcers. Limes can help heal gout through its antioxidants and detoxifiers. They can assist in weight loss if enough are eaten. Since they are very high in potassium they are very effective in removing toxic substances throughout the urinary system, stopping prostate growth in men and clearing calcium deposits in the urinary tract system. They also assist in curing arthritis, rheumatism, prostate and colon cancer, diabetes, fatigue, heart disease and more. Using pure, therapeutic grade lime essential oil greatly enhances all of the health promoting properties of lime.

Chia seeds were an important energy source for Mayans, Incas and other ancient cultures, and remain a dietary staple in  many South and Central American countries. Just 1 tablespoon of chia seeds contains 5 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, 2282 mg of Omega 3 and 752 mg of Omega 6 fatty acids! A significant concentration of fiber combined with their ability to absorb 10 times their weight in water also makes chia seeds excellent for maintaining regularity. This fiber content also helps normalize blood glucose levels by slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. Chia seeds contain respectable concentrations of potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and manganese. Chia seeds are extremely nutrient-dense, with one of the highest antioxidant concentrations of any known food! With an amazing nutritional profile, mild flavor, and impressive versatility, it’s hard to think of a reason NOT to incorporate more of these super seeds into your diet!