What are up with chia seeds?

Love4MN · May 2012

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

misswhitneyyy · May 2012

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 · May 2012

•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 · May 2012

•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 · May 2012

For many of the reasons mentioned above, my nutritionist suggested I switch out flax seeds for chia.

Kalynx · May 2012

interesting, sounds like a lot of great benefits! thanks for sharing (and asking the question!)

waffleflavoredtea · May 2012

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 · May 2012

Bump. Thanks for the info. I learned something new today =D

reyopo · May 2012

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.

Jacwhite22 · May 2012

WeCallThemDayWalkers · May 2012

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 · May 2012

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 · May 2012

Bump for later..

ImNotThatBob · May 2012

I hear they make great pets too...

SKMom71 · March 2013

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.