Anyone have any thoughts on Chia Seeds?

tammycolbert
tammycolbert Posts: 236 Member
edited November 23 in Food and Nutrition
Beneficial or not needed?
«1

Replies

  • amazetome
    amazetome Posts: 637 Member
    I think that depends on your diet. I'm a vegetarian, so I find them beneficial for that little extra bit of protein and omega-3s. I sprinkle them in soup and yogurt.
  • pmm3437
    pmm3437 Posts: 529 Member
    I don't use them, but the literature and nutritional information available for them seem to indicate they are a decent source of fiber, usable if not ideal protein and fat ratios, and provide a range of micronutrients.

    Doesn't provide anything you cant get readily from other sources, so not needed. Can be beneficial, if you are seeking the nutrients they provide, especially in a more restrictive eating lifestyle, such as a lacto-ovo.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,598 Member
    I'm vegetarian, and experimenting with adding them mainly for the omega-3s. I'm finding them aintly but oddly tasty, and inclined to stick in my teeth big time.

    Most societies have gotten along without them for millennia, so probably not needed. If you want more of the nutrients they contain, why not try them & see if you find them yummy/useful?
  • SuggaD
    SuggaD Posts: 1,369 Member
    I like them. When I have the calories to spare and want a big snack, I make a chocolate chia pudding...really good!
  • socioseguro
    socioseguro Posts: 1,679 Member
    I use them as a breakfast topping to my oatmeal. Fiber and Omega 3
  • flamingblades
    flamingblades Posts: 311 Member
    They can thicken up a smoothie pretty good.
  • tammycolbert
    tammycolbert Posts: 236 Member
    I may have to get some and try them out. Thank you for your input.
  • Francl27
    Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
    I tried them but really... nope. Definitely not worth the calories for me.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    I prefer salmon for my omega-3s, but no harm in trying them and seeing if you like them.

    Plus:

    gatvokrdeq7g.gif
    chia.gif 419.6K
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I use chia seeds in smoothies. I let them soak in the smoothie liquid for 10 minutes or so and they don't stick in my teeth.
  • serenityfrye
    serenityfrye Posts: 360 Member
    I love them in smoothies, as non dairy pudding, and they add a nice texture to my pancakes. I think I started using them when they were being touted as a 'superfood' or whatever but I mostly just like them for the texture :)
  • Queenmunchy
    Queenmunchy Posts: 3,380 Member
    They thicken gravy or soup pretty well if you don't want to use flour or cornstarch. I also add them to my daughter's smoothies so she gets full longer (I can't personally attest to it).
  • _Terrapin_
    _Terrapin_ Posts: 4,301 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    I prefer salmon for my omega-3s, but no harm in trying them and seeing if you like them.

    Plus:

    gatvokrdeq7g.gif

    So a potential benefit is following the Chia pet around and picking up the 'seeds' they leave behind. You probably get a little glute burn doing this; good luck to you.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Very high in soluble fiber. I soak them in yogurt with fruit; sometimes with oats, sometimes on their own. There's nothing unique about chia seeds, and ounce for ounce they are very high calorie. But I am Queen of variety, so they are in.
  • FitMomOK
    FitMomOK Posts: 66 Member
    SuggaD wrote: »
    I like them. When I have the calories to spare and want a big snack, I make a chocolate chia pudding...really good!

    i agree & very filling.
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  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    More like THIS.
    6.jpg
    Just so there are no illusions.
  • KittensMaster
    KittensMaster Posts: 748 Member
    I had seen them at the grocery and heard of many uses for them

    I bought some and made chia pudding with added 85% dark chocolate, half and half, and a teaspoon of coconut oil. Splenda to taste

    It was weird at first but quite good

    I have added flax seeds at times.

    Chia seeds in salads and smoothies.

    Kind of a yummy something different
  • SuggaD
    SuggaD Posts: 1,369 Member
    KittensMaster wrote: »
    I had seen them at the grocery and heard of many uses for them

    I bought some and made chia pudding with added 85% dark chocolate, half and half, and a teaspoon of coconut oil. Splenda to taste

    It was weird at first but quite good

    I have added flax seeds at times.

    Chia seeds in salads and smoothies.

    Kind of a yummy something different

    I use cocoa powder, sweetened almond milk and add nuts and such. See now I think I have to go home and make one. lol
  • goldthistime
    goldthistime Posts: 3,213 Member
    socioseguro wrote: »
    I use them as a breakfast topping to my oatmeal. Fiber and Omega 3
    Same. 1/2 cup of oatmeal, two tablespoons each of chia seeds, flax seeds and psyllium fibre, a half cup of blueberries and I'm full till lunch time.

  • Lourdesong
    Lourdesong Posts: 1,492 Member
    Flavorless, calorie dense, and they make me feel parched for a long time after consuming (I typically used them for chia pudding)

    I have a nearly full bag in my freezer that I bought from Costco over a year ago. I'd rather get all the whatever-benefits of chia seeds from other sources.

    I recommend trying it for yourself but buying a small bag or seeing if you could get a sample of chia seeds from a friend.

  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    goldthistime wrote: »
    socioseguro wrote: »
    I use them as a breakfast topping to my oatmeal. Fiber and Omega 3
    Same. 1/2 cup of oatmeal, two tablespoons each of chia seeds, flax seeds and psyllium fibre, a half cup of blueberries and I'm full till lunch time.

    @goldthistime How many calories do the chia ,flax and psyllium add up to? I know just 15g of chia is around 70 calories.

  • goldthistime
    goldthistime Posts: 3,213 Member
    christinev297 wrote: »
    goldthistime wrote: »
    socioseguro wrote: »
    I use them as a breakfast topping to my oatmeal. Fiber and Omega 3
    Same. 1/2 cup of oatmeal, two tablespoons each of chia seeds, flax seeds and psyllium fibre, a half cup of blueberries and I'm full till lunch time.

    @goldthistime How many calories do the chia ,flax and psyllium add up to? I know just 15g of chia is around 70 calories.

    Tons. I often have breakfasts over 600 calories. No free lunches unfortunately. I feel full, but I've used up a decent percentage of calories on carbs, although chia is strangely high in fat too.

  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    goldthistime wrote: »
    christinev297 wrote: »
    goldthistime wrote: »
    socioseguro wrote: »
    I use them as a breakfast topping to my oatmeal. Fiber and Omega 3
    Same. 1/2 cup of oatmeal, two tablespoons each of chia seeds, flax seeds and psyllium fibre, a half cup of blueberries and I'm full till lunch time.

    @goldthistime How many calories do the chia ,flax and psyllium add up to? I know just 15g of chia is around 70 calories.

    Tons. I often have breakfasts over 600 calories. No free lunches unfortunately. I feel full, but I've used up a decent percentage of calories on carbs, although chia is strangely high in fat too.

    yeah I'd imagine it'd be a lot. I struggle to fit a TBS or 2 of chia seeds in sometimes. I love flax seeds etc etc but the calories put me off.

  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    I don't have the patience to be farting around with chia seeds.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Lourdesong wrote: »
    Flavorless, calorie dense, and they make me feel parched for a long time after consuming (I typically used them for chia pudding)

    I have a nearly full bag in my freezer that I bought from Costco over a year ago. I'd rather get all the whatever-benefits of chia seeds from other sources.

    I recommend trying it for yourself but buying a small bag or seeing if you could get a sample of chia seeds from a friend.

    From Costco??? You have my sympathies. You'll be finishing those off on your deathbed. I bought Chia from Bulk Barn, enough to fill a salt shaker. That's it.

  • Lourdesong
    Lourdesong Posts: 1,492 Member
    jgnatca wrote: »
    Lourdesong wrote: »
    Flavorless, calorie dense, and they make me feel parched for a long time after consuming (I typically used them for chia pudding)

    I have a nearly full bag in my freezer that I bought from Costco over a year ago. I'd rather get all the whatever-benefits of chia seeds from other sources.

    I recommend trying it for yourself but buying a small bag or seeing if you could get a sample of chia seeds from a friend.

    From Costco??? You have my sympathies. You'll be finishing those off on your deathbed. I bought Chia from Bulk Barn, enough to fill a salt shaker. That's it.

    Yup, 2 lbs of chia seeds, which is great if you really really love chia seeds. :D


  • Lynzdee18
    Lynzdee18 Posts: 500 Member
    I love chia pudding,but only make two at once. I would eat too much if it was prepared in the refrigerator.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Do the chia seeds actually make it taste better? I've looked at some banana-chia pudding recipes but ended up making something without the chia seeds since I didn't see the point of adding the calories and I don't believe in superfoods and all that. But if there's a taste purpose I'm up for it.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    Do the chia seeds actually make it taste better? I've looked at some banana-chia pudding recipes but ended up making something without the chia seeds since I didn't see the point of adding the calories and I don't believe in superfoods and all that. But if there's a taste purpose I'm up for it.

    To me, chia seeds are tasteless. They're good for thickening stuff up and for the little boost of protein, fibre and omega's

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