Chia Seed, Flax Seed or Both?

iammeinnh
iammeinnh Posts: 72 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I have read so much about the benefits of Chia and Flax seeds. I add them to smoothies and other recipes. But, I'm wondering if people who are really knowledgeable about nutrition have a preference?

Replies

  • jaedizzle01
    jaedizzle01 Posts: 775 Member
    I always use flax seed, mostly because I'm nursing and it helps boost supply, but it's also really healthy from what I hear and taste great
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    Imo, both.

    Inb4 someone starts screaming that one is god's gift and the other is rat poison.
  • MelaniaTrump
    MelaniaTrump Posts: 2,694 Member
    edited June 2016
    * Grind your flaxseeds for optimal nutrition. Or buy flaxmeal.
    * 1 serving of chia = 1 TBSP . I serving of flaxmeal = 2 TBSP
  • Enjcg5
    Enjcg5 Posts: 389 Member
    I rotate between the two in smoothies since they offer different benefits.
  • cecsav1
    cecsav1 Posts: 714 Member
    JanetYellen wrote: »
    * Grind your flaxseeds for optimal nutrition. Or buy flaxmeal.
    * 1 serving of chia = 1 TBSP . I serving of flaxmeal = 2 TBSP

    Why grind them first? I *just* started incorporating flax seeds in my salads (for fat and fiber, specifically), but I didn't know to grind them. Thanks!
  • cecsav1
    cecsav1 Posts: 714 Member
    Ahhh. Thank you!! :)
  • kirstenb13
    kirstenb13 Posts: 181 Member
    I also switch between chia seeds and flax meal, I like both and they taste different. Also if you buy flax meal and don't go through it super fast, store it in the freezer, it keeps better that way.
  • ponycyndi
    ponycyndi Posts: 858 Member
    Both. But I've been eating flax meal for years, and only bought chia seeds a few months ago. I love them in my cold oats, or as chia pudding. Flax I can use in everything, just because I've used it for so long. The fiber keeps me full and regular. The Times when I want using it, my bowls suffered the consequences.
  • HealthierRayne
    HealthierRayne Posts: 268 Member
    Personally I use both in smoothies for bulk and to keep me full. I find a smoothie on it's own does not keep me full, but add chia and flax, I am satiated for hours. :smile: As others have mentioned ground flax digests a bit better, I grind mine as needed in a coffee grinder that I have designated for flax.
  • kev6686
    kev6686 Posts: 28 Member
    Does anyone else have any suggestions as to what they add Chia and Flax seed to? I've just read about the smoothie suggestion... Just wondering what other recipes go well with them.
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    edited June 2016
    I choose flax only because it helps with PMS symptoms.

    I use ground flax in anything that calls for flour, just replace about a 1/4 to a 1/2 cup of the flour with ground flax. Banana bread, muffins, pancakes...whatever.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I use both, Flaxseed in the am and i add chia seeds to whatever dessert I'm having at night. Chia seeds can be added to just about anything.
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    kev6686 wrote: »
    Does anyone else have any suggestions as to what they add Chia and Flax seed to? I've just read about the smoothie suggestion... Just wondering what other recipes go well with them.

    They can be added to yogurt, oatmeal and other cereals, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and used as a crust when cooking meats.

  • crzyone
    crzyone Posts: 872 Member
    I've never tried flax but I find chia "fun" to eat....sprinkle some on food and the ones stuck in your teeth turn to a "gel" and it's just....well, kind of cool....yeah, I'm weird.....but, hey, food can be fun, too!!!
  • iammeinnh
    iammeinnh Posts: 72 Member
    Jane Snowe, I love that graphic on Chia vs Flax. Thank you for posting that. I think I will keep using both. I actually found a chia/milled flax seed blend. I found a recipe to make chia pudding, though I haven't made it yet. It uses cacoa and dates as a sweetener. But, when I make a smoothie with chia and then don't drink it right away it does thicken up to an almost pudding/mousse consistency. I definitely think it adds something to my diet. And, I have added flax to sauces and other recipes and my bf doesn't even know. :)
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    kirstenb13 wrote: »
    I also switch between chia seeds and flax meal, I like both and they taste different. Also if you buy flax meal and don't go through it super fast, store it in the freezer, it keeps better that way.

    This is good advice. A lot of people don't seem to realize how quickly the oil in ground seed can turn rancid. It's not like flour where you can just store it in a closet for long periods of time.
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    A seed thread and no mention of hemp seeds?
    Here you go, flax seed vs. hemp hearts.
    http://www.healthcastle.com/nutrition-faceoff-flax-seeds-vs-hemp-hearts
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    Ground flax seed for me. I have both in my freezer and sometimes add chia to soups to add fiber and thickness but it adds a bitter taste to most dishes that I don't care for. I add ground flax to all kinds of things because I can't taste it at all. I go through a bag of flax meal every 1.5 - 2 months.
  • iammeinnh
    iammeinnh Posts: 72 Member
    BigGuy47 wrote: »
    A seed thread and no mention of hemp seeds?
    Here you go, flax seed vs. hemp hearts.
    http://www.healthcastle.com/nutrition-faceoff-flax-seeds-vs-hemp-hearts

    I've never bought hemp seeds, but our local co-op has them. I should try them.
  • fr33sia12
    fr33sia12 Posts: 1,258 Member
    I prefer chia seeds as I like to make jam using them, also overnight oats and chia seed puddings.
  • Taylorgo90
    Taylorgo90 Posts: 56 Member
    both is super
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    kev6686 wrote: »
    Does anyone else have any suggestions as to what they add Chia and Flax seed to? I've just read about the smoothie suggestion... Just wondering what other recipes go well with them.

    I add ground flax to all kinds of things. As a snack I take toast and spread a mix of butter and ground flax on it then top with an egg. I add flax to almost everything I make with flour - cookies, pie crust, pancakes, etc. I sprinkle it into pasta sauces, stews, soups, casseroles.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    iammeinnh wrote: »
    BigGuy47 wrote: »
    A seed thread and no mention of hemp seeds?
    Here you go, flax seed vs. hemp hearts.
    http://www.healthcastle.com/nutrition-faceoff-flax-seeds-vs-hemp-hearts

    I've never bought hemp seeds, but our local co-op has them. I should try them.

    I add them ground to oatmeal. I like it.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    The fastidiousness of our current society drives me a little nuts. Say yes to all the seeds...in context. That is, about a tablespoon at a time because they are both calorific.

    Neither have magnesium, but sunflower seeds do. So sunflower seeds win.

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