Seeds // Flax vs Chia

Brave596
Brave596 Posts: 8 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Why? How much? When? Pros and cons?
((my goal is to lose weight, first and tone))

Replies

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited September 2015
    This content has been removed.
  • Brave596
    Brave596 Posts: 8 Member
    Helpful and thanks catscats222.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    The first link provides side by side comparisons.

    http://www.easy-vegetarian-diet.com/chia-seeds-vs-flaxseeds.html#.VgiLKLShdlY

    http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/flax-versus-chia-the-ultimate-showdown/
  • Brave596
    Brave596 Posts: 8 Member
    This is exactly what I need - thank you, christinev297!
  • SamandaIndia
    SamandaIndia Posts: 1,577 Member
    Thanks @christinev297 Love chia.
  • Strawblackcat
    Strawblackcat Posts: 944 Member
    Both have high concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids, but flax seeds have to be ground so that your body can digest them. Chia seeds don't have to be ground. Chia also makes a nice tapioca-like pudding, while flax just makes a gummy goop that's a good vegan substitute for eggs in baking. Chia seeds are also higher in fiber.

    Overall, I prefer chia seeds to flax seeds. Mostly because I really like pudding.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I have both. I like to soak chia seeds first cuz otherwise they stick to my teeth like crazy, so put them in smoothies. Flax seeds are more versatile, but they have to be ground. (If you buy them preground, there is a danger they will go bad before you eat them all.) I grind a few days worth at a time in a coffee/spice grinder.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    I have both. I like to soak chia seeds first cuz otherwise they stick to my teeth like crazy, so put them in smoothies. Flax seeds are more versatile, but they have to be ground. (If you buy them preground, there is a danger they will go bad before you eat them all.) I grind a few days worth at a time in a coffee/spice grinder.

    Haha i often wonder if more chia seeds get stuck between my teeth than i actually consume! :tongue:

  • fstrickl
    fstrickl Posts: 883 Member
    Chia seeds always get stuck under my wire from when my braces were taken off over ten years ago! Haha!
  • youngmomtaz
    youngmomtaz Posts: 1,075 Member
    Love chia! I enjoy the flavour and texture more so than flax. Though ground flax make an oatmeal peanut butter cookie even better!
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    Seeds, yes. I keep sunflower seeds and sesame seeds around too.
    Flax seed, yes.
    Chia seed, yes.

    Pros, they are a good source of fats and are satiating. Flax and Chia have Omega 3. Chia are loaded with soluble fiber. Sunflower and sesame seeds are a great source for Magnesium.

    Seeds have no bearing on weight loss. They tend to be high calorie so weigh them. A portion is no more than a tablespoon or about half an ounce of Chia seeds. To lose weight, eat the daily calorie goal as set by MFP.

    Why choose the "perfect" seed? Enjoy them all.
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    I eat all the seeds; chia seeds, flax seeds and Hemp hearts (hemp seeds with the shell removed)
  • jodigrengs
    jodigrengs Posts: 21 Member
    So if I'm making a healthy smoothie say 310 calories, if I add 1 Tb of chia, I have to add 60 calories to MFP? Right
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    That's about right, @jodigrengs . Sneaky little seeds.
  • jodigrengs
    jodigrengs Posts: 21 Member
    Thanks jgnstca...sneaky is right ;)
  • elsa13
    elsa13 Posts: 2 Member
    I believe that both have incredible value :) I add I tablespoon of each to my plain greek yogurt/blueberries/stevia every morning.
  • SamandaIndia
    SamandaIndia Posts: 1,577 Member
    For fun add 1 part chia seeds to 3 parts fluid. Whisk a lot! After 1 to 2 mins they swell like a gel. You can add some cinnamon and leave in the fridge to set. Chia pudding uses almond milk or milk and is quite nice (although the texture is unusual). Great thing is that is part of the reason they keep us full and also fiber and protein so aside from caution on the calories a great super food.
  • FitPhillygirl
    FitPhillygirl Posts: 7,124 Member
    I eat 2 Tbsp of flax seeds mixed in with my Greek yogurt everyday because I love the added flavor.

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