What's the Deal with Chia Seeds? - Science Friday Post

A few years ago I started to hear some buzz around certain circles about chia seeds. When I first hear about some new diet craze, I tend to be a little skeptical, because nothing is new under the sun. 

Well, it's been a few years now and I'm still hearing little bits here and a question there about chia. So it's time to get some answers and figure it out. 

As I started doing some of my own research for this post, I realized that these little wonder seeds are not to be disregarded. Some might say they even "one up" flax seeds. (gasp, I know!)

So here are some of the key points about chia seeds that make them so noteworthy:

1. Like flax seeds, chia seeds are a good source of the plant based omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. They do contain just a little more though than flax.
2. Chia is an incredible source of fiber. One ounce (which I'm not sure how much that is visually) is almost double the amount found in flax at 10.7 grams.
3. It is said (meaning I haven't found the solid science myself yet) that chia contains antioxidants; so much so that it keeps it from going rancid. Flax seed has been studied more than chia, at this time, and we know flax has powerful antioxidants benefits as well. 
4. This last point may be the best news. Chia seeds do not need to be ground to be digested. Flax seeds do need to be ground. So this saves you a step with chias.

For more information, check out this articles:

Flax vs. Chia

History of Chia Seeds

The bad news about chia seeds is that they are expensive. I'm guessing this has a lot to do with the fact that they are tiny (it takes a lot to get an adequate volume for sale) and they are mostly found in Mexico and South America. In the case that budget is a factor for you, continue using your flax seed with confidence. You are still getting wonderful benefits! 

Have a healthy weekend everyone. 

Comments

[Chrissy]

I get my Chia seeds from nuts.com (love that website) and put 2 tbsp in my oj every day.

[Loretta Dubby]

Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that… And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that…