Lauren’s 5 minute prep chocolate chia seed cake

30 Jan Lauren’s 5 minute prep chocolate chia seed cake

In Chinese Medicine the digestive system is one of the key pillars of health. One of the ways we observe the health of the digestion is through observation of the bowel movements. If the bowels are sluggish and only move every few days your body isn’t cleansing the system. A simple ingredient that can assist with bowel movements is Chia seeds! 

Chia seeds in Chinese Medicine 

Chia seeds are not an herb in the classical Chinese materia medica — they’re a modern food, native to Central America. But their nature, taste, and actions can be interpreted using Traditional Chinese Medicine principles; Neutral and sweet, Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, rich in antioxidents and are considered moistening for your bowel. They are an amazing source of fibre and helps keep those bowels moving.

Lauren’s 5 minute preparation Chia Seed Care 

Ingredients

4 tablespoons chia seeds, soaked in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes.

½ cup raw cocoa (or just use any cocoa)

125g softened butter (I used 1/2 cup coconut oil)

5 medium to large eggs

1 cup (175g) almond meal

1 cup coconut palm sugar, or your choice of sugar (I used 1/4 cup of brown rice malt syrup)

Pinch salt

1 teaspoon bicarb soda

+ / – 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips

Method

Preheat oven to 180C.

Line a spring form cake tin with non-stick baking paper.

Soak chia seeds in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes, stirring regularly. The seeds will absorb all the water and swell to form a gel. 

Place all the ingredients in a bowl.

Whisk to combine well & break up any lumps (at least 1 minute).

Pour into lined cake tin.

Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes or until it bounces back when pressed in middle. 

Let the cake cool for 5-10 minutes in the tin.

Finish cooling on a wire cooling rack.

Dust with cocoa when cool.

*Must eat quickly as this moist cake is prone to mild, my tip is to freeze small portions for a later date when you are craving something sweet.

For more severe constipation; 

Add Hemp Seeds or dried fruit such as chopped prunes

Hemp seeds in Chinese Medicine 

Hemp seeds or “Huo Ma Ren” is the mature seed — not the psychoactive part — so it’s safe and non-intoxicating. They are neutral, sweet and have a lovely nutty flavour. The contain a lovely rich oil which gently lubricates the bowels.