Chia porridge with apricot oil recipe

Most important meal of the day

Familiarising yourself with a reliable method of turning out the perfect bowl of porridge is probably one of the best things you could do as a cook, as dull as it may sound. Certainly, once you get this foundation sorted, there are endless variations to amuse yourself with. Our current favourite is topping porridge with a good healthy muesli for extra texture, and we are also fond of turmeric and ginger porridge. But - we're getting ahead of ourselves! That is to say, let's get back to basics.

To sum it up, it is a tried and true fact that if your blood sugar spikes in the morning, you will find yourself suffering from cravings and hunger throughout the day. Consequently, if you get your nutrient-packed bowl of porridge right, everything else flows so much more easily and pleasantly. Sounds simple? That's because it is!   

A porridge plan

With this recipe, we're sharing a template that we tend to stay with. Porridge, nut milk, seeds and / or nuts, dried fruit, fresh or frozen fruit, a sweetener with a low-to-medium glycemic index, and Erbology oils - more on these later on. After that, as mentioned, there are endless bells and whistles you can add or subtract. For example, nut butter is another lovely option. If you opt for fresh or frozen berries, you get the added pleasure of seeing their hues spread throughout your porridge.... Certainly, the more senses that are gratified by a dish, the better. In conclusion, if you have the time, try making your nut milk at home!

The health benefits of apricot kernel oil

Erbology Organic Apricot Kernel Oil is extracted using a time-tested and time-honored method. Organic apricot kernels are cold-pressed to retain their nutrients and beautiful fruity scent. Packed with unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, apricot kernel oil helps boost immunity and promotes healthy heart and brain activity. Moreover, this natural beauty miracle can also help prevent UV damage.

Chia seed oil nutritional rundown

Erbology Organic Chia Seed Oil is 100% organic cold-pressed oil made from chia seeds. In addition, it is packed with omega-3s and vitamin E. Just like omega-6s (linoleic acid), omega-3s (alpha-linolenic acid) are essential fatty acids.

A fat is deemed essential when it cannot be produced by our bodies, yet is necessary for normal function. Likewise, consider that omega-3s and omega-6s can be found in the membranes of every single cell in our bodies! A typical Western diet yields approximately a 15:1 to 20:1 ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s. This is highly concerning considering that the optimal range is somewhere between 2:1 to 4:1. In conclusion, research continues to support the great importance of an appropriate ratio for health.(1)

Omega-6s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are primarily used for energy. Omega-6s are essential; however the western diet typically comprises more omega-6s than are needed. Keeping omega-6s in appropriate balance with omega-3s maximize benefits including optimal brain function, muscle growth, and hormone production.(2) Including chia seed oil in your diet is a wonderful way to introduce more omega-3s and even out the balance of the two fatty acids in your body. For instance, a 100-gram serving of chia seed oil contains 64 grams of omega-3s and 19g of omega-6s, an ideal combination.

Omega-3s support a healthy heart, nervous system and vision. Further, they are also thought to lower inflammation and help with cognitive function since they are an important component in brain-cell membranes and cell-to-cell communication. In addition, vitamin E is important for proper function of the immune system and for skin and eye health.(3) In short, these are some pretty impressive things to be topping your morning bowl of mush with, eh?