Chia Seed Drink For Energy and Hydration

I used to rely heavily on corn syrup laden sports drinks to give me the energy I needed as a teen. I've since switched to this homemade electrolyte drink, but lately I've fallen in love with a good chia seed drink. There are tons of flavor options, but my favorite is this hibiscus berry version that gives you energy as it hydrates.

Power Ingredients

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is one of my favorite herbs to use because of it’s tart, fruity flavor. This flower has a positive effect on blood pressure, circulation, and heart health. It's also great for sore throats, upper respiratory infections, and anxiety relief. I like to add the infusion to my homemade gelatin as well to boost the health benefits and fruity flavor. (source)

Blackberries

Blackberries give this chia seed drink a nice, fruity flavor. Not only are they delicious, but blackberries are full of antioxidants without a lot of sugar. Antioxidants help to prevent cell damage in the body, and are thought to protect from serious diseases like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. (source and source) They’re also high in:

• Vitamins A, C and K
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Manganese
• Fiber

Green Tea

Green tea contains inflammation-fighting polyphenols. It’s flavanoids and catechins are powerful antioxidants that are even better than Vitamins C and E at protecting cells from damage. Green tea also gives a small amount of caffeine to lend a little more oomph to your day. I can’t handle the large amounts of caffeine found in coffee, or even black tea, but green tea is much milder. Cheap, store brands are more likely to contain high amounts of the neurotoxin and thyroid disruptor fluoride, so be sure to use a quality, loose leaf variety. (source)

Lemon

Lemon is next on the ingredients list and boasts some powerful health benefits. This citrus fruit helps to cleanse and detox the body, especially the liver. One lemon contains about 36% of your daily value of vitamin C, along with some potassium, folate, and magnesium. (source)

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are really the star here. Not only are they full of omega-3 fats that fight inflammation, but they also help increase energy, slow blood sugar spikes, and provide you with a healthy dose of fiber. They’re also high in protein and minerals like phosphorous and manganese. It’s been said that it was a treasured food among the ancient Aztecs. (source)

Hibiscus Berry Chia Seed Drink

• 2 t. green tea leaves
• 1 T. hibiscus leaves
• 1 ¾ cups filtered water
• ½ cup blackberries
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 T. raw honey
• 3 T. chia seeds
• cheesecloth

1. Heat the water until it’s boiling, then remove from the heat. Add the hibiscus and green tea and steep for 3 minutes before straining the herbs out.
2. Place the blackberries in the cheesecloth and squeeze the juice out very thoroughly into the tea.
3. Add the lemon juice and raw honey to the tea, stirring well until everything is combined. Add the chia seeds and stir again.
4. Put the drink in the fridge, and stir it again after 30 minutes or so to prevent the chia seeds from clumping at the bottom. The seeds will be hydrated and the drink ready after 6 hours, or overnight.
5. Shake well before drinking and keep refrigerated.

Got any chia seed drink combos you love? Tell me what you put in yours in the comments below!

Jamie Larrison blogs at The Herbal Spoon. Besides a good chia seed drink, she has a passion for herbalism and aromatherapy and creates her own plant-based, safe for the whole family body care items at her shop, This & That Herbal. Learn more about Jamie here.

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