What are up with chia seeds?

Love4MN
Love4MN Posts: 60
in Recipes
I have been hearing a lot of stuff about these seeds. Whats the deal with them? what is their nutritional value?

Edit...what's up with chia seeds lol

Replies

  • misswhitneyyy
    misswhitneyyy Posts: 19
    High in omega-3. They also soak up water like crazy (hydrophilic), so they are supposed to create a feeling of "fullness." It is important to drink more water so that it doesn't dehydrate you if you are consuming chia seeds. They are great for baking, as well.
  • pittcurl
    pittcurl Posts: 82 Member
    •have more Omega 3 fatty acids than flax seed (important for heart health)
    •are the richest non-marine whole food source of Omega-3 (better than salmon)
    •absorb 10 times their weight in water and transform into a gel-like substance--great for athletes for maintaining hydration and helps with weight loss by making you feel full longer
    •are as high in protein as quinoa
    •are loaded with calcium, potassium, Vitamin B, and anti-oxidants
    •help balance blood sugar via the gelling action of the seed and it’s unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber that slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars
    •have a neutral taste so they will take on the other flavors in a recipe
    •can be eaten whole (unlike flax seed); they don't have to be ground before adding them to food in order to digest them and benefit from their nutrients
  • becoming_a_new_me
    becoming_a_new_me Posts: 1,860 Member
    •have more Omega 3 fatty acids than flax seed (important for heart health)
    •are the richest non-marine whole food source of Omega-3 (better than salmon)
    •absorb 10 times their weight in water and transform into a gel-like substance--great for athletes for maintaining hydration and helps with weight loss by making you feel full longer
    •are as high in protein as quinoa
    •are loaded with calcium, potassium, Vitamin B, and anti-oxidants
    •help balance blood sugar via the gelling action of the seed and it’s unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber that slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars
    •have a neutral taste so they will take on the other flavors in a recipe
    •can be eaten whole (unlike flax seed); they don't have to be ground before adding them to food in order to digest them and benefit from their nutrients

    Now this is useful!! Thank you!!! I have a big bag in my cupboard and had no idea what to do with them. I'll just throw them in my smoothies!! Thanks!
  • CJuliaV
    CJuliaV Posts: 34 Member
    For many of the reasons mentioned above, my nutritionist suggested I switch out flax seeds for chia.
  • Kalynx
    Kalynx Posts: 707 Member
    interesting, sounds like a lot of great benefits! thanks for sharing (and asking the question!)
  • waffleflavoredtea
    waffleflavoredtea Posts: 235 Member
    in addition to what everyone else said, part of the reason why they are so awesome, is that you can soak them in water and use them as an egg substitute in baking, or as a general thickener in warm dishes.
    I personally make my oatmeal go twice as far by adding extra water to my overnight oats, along with a Tablespoon of chia seeds. So far I haven't noticed many physical effects, but then again I changed a lot of my diet at once so I wouldn't know what's made changes. :P But the chia seed gel is great fiber, makes you feel fuller, and have no flavor at all.

    I also recommend googling basil seeds and look at the images. Basil seeds are to chia seeds like jello is to pudding. :) They are used in a traditional asian fruity milky drink but I use them in my oats as well in place of chia. :)
  • ImNotThatBob
    ImNotThatBob Posts: 371 Member
    Bump. Thanks for the info. I learned something new today =D
  • reyopo
    reyopo Posts: 210 Member
    I soak them overnight, and I don't get bloated. Also, never heat or cook the seeds, they lose their nutritional value. I add them to smoothies, and make "pudding" with them using the soaked seeds with coconut milk, cashew butter, vanilla, and dates, stevia or Xylitol, either whisked (a tapioca-style consistency) or blended (smoother). I sprinkle cacao nibs or berries on top. Super yummy!

    I also LOVE the Synergy chia kombucha. Keeps me hydrated, full, and regular.:wink:
  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    1670139_2921.jpg
  • WeCallThemDayWalkers
    WeCallThemDayWalkers Posts: 259 Member
    I am obsessed with these stupid little seeds right now!!

    here is favorite recipe:
    http://www.balticmaid.com/2012/04/blueberry-maple-refrigerator-oatmeal/

    2nd favorite:
    http://fooddoodles.com/2011/03/15/chocolate-chia-seed-pudding/
  • TinaTurtlez
    TinaTurtlez Posts: 86
    Great info! Thanks for the tips. My friend tried to give me some the other day and I was skeptical. Sounds legit to me! Going to buy some and give it a whirl.
  • Crazy4Healthy
    Crazy4Healthy Posts: 626 Member
    Bump for later..
  • ImNotThatBob
    ImNotThatBob Posts: 371 Member
    I hear they make great pets too...

    chia_pet_halloween_dog_costume_cutest_dog_ever.jpg
  • SKMom71
    SKMom71 Posts: 1
    Just boughts some and so far loving them. Reminds me of when I eat a kiwi and taste and feel the seeds. I am excited to see how this will help in my weight loss journey.
  • MelisMusing
    MelisMusing Posts: 421 Member
    I LOVE my chia seeds. Highly recommend.
  • ajhugz
    ajhugz Posts: 452 Member
    Where can you buy chia seeds? I've looked for them in a couple stores so far.
  • domgirl85
    domgirl85 Posts: 295 Member
    Where can you buy chia seeds? I've looked for them in a couple stores so far.

    Whole foods, trader joe's, costco
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    I love the nutty, crunchy texture that it adds to overnight oatmeal.
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    Where can you buy chia seeds? I've looked for them in a couple stores so far.
    I found a bag of organic chia seeds at GNC. They aren't cheap but they last a long time.
  • vkw1
    vkw1 Posts: 88
    they taste like crap, ruins a good bread lol
  • djfriedman81
    djfriedman81 Posts: 125
    nevermind
  • jennaworksout
    jennaworksout Posts: 1,739 Member
    bump...i was just wondering this today...on a list of best foods to help live longer
  • nz_deevaa
    nz_deevaa Posts: 12,209 Member
    I soak them overnight in coconut milk ... they are delicious.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    They make great pets!
  • currlee
    currlee Posts: 395 Member
    They were recommended to me for my knee pain from Insanity. I didn't even have a full serving and the knee pain was gone the next day! I now add a Tbsp to my morning shake or add some to a salad. I found mine at the local health food store.
  • Ellienana
    Ellienana Posts: 79 Member
    Bump
  • 4pears
    4pears Posts: 5
    Bulk Barn has them as well .

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