Flax Seed and Chia Seed

**KMonte85** · 09-29-2011 02:42 PM

Just wondering if anyone has some information on the difference nutritionally between flax and chia seeds? Is one better than the other? Is one more nutritionally dense for the amount of calories? What are the pros and cons for each?

I want to start integrating them in my meals, but not sure which route to take. So far I have purchased both, thinking I might have a taste preference.. but I don't. So now I'm stumped.

Hoping some of you ladies and gents here have an opinion or some input for me!

**Seeker_Advice** · 10-02-2011 09:09 AM

Some info. below to get you "started". Key point...Both should be ground into a meal or course powder before being consumed otherwise, it is quite likely that they will be passed right through and you will gain no nutritional benefit.

If we compare the Chia seeds with the Flax seeds we will see that a unit of Flax contains 492 kilo calories of energy whereas the same unit of the Chia contains 525 kilo calories. However the fat contents are low in the Chia seeds than the Flaxes. The dietary fibre contents in the Flax are lower than its competitor. The Chia seeds contain 631 mg calcium in per 100 grams whereas the Flax seeds contain only 199 mg.

The main difference between the two seeds is the content of the antioxidants in them. The Flax seeds do not contain any antioxidants but the Chia seeds have Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid and substances like Myricetin, Quercetin and Kaempferol which removes the free radicals form the blood and purifies it resulting in a better blood circulation.

**KMonte85** · 10-03-2011 07:05 AM

So it sounds like Chia is the winner!

Good, because as I've been using both more and more, I'm finding that chia seed is more versatile (in terms of it's many uses) than flax is!

...And less expensive too LOL

**CHANDLERS WISH** · 10-03-2011 02:27 PM

Okay, now I am going to find these Chia seeds, and in-corporate them in my diet, and then I am going to see if I add water they grow like grass on something just because apparently they do over there

**KMonte85** · 10-03-2011 02:32 PM

LOL! They sure do C-Dubb!

Ch-Ch-Ch-CHIA! LOL

**Seeker_Advice** · 10-04-2011 11:27 AM

Don't forget to grind them up before you consume them.

If you don't they will pass through you without benefit to anything but your colon.

A coffee bean grinder works great.

**CHANDLERS WISH** · 10-04-2011 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by KMonte85

LOL! They sure do C-Dubb!

Ch-Ch-Ch-CHIA! LOL

LOL's...welllll OMG I found some, they look like 1/2 the size of a seseme seed, how the do you grind that ?

Sooo, do I really put some in water? haha

KM now, what do I do with them, like sprinkle them over yoghurt? No seriously, I paid $7 for this packet of Ch-Ch-Ch-CHIA thingies

**chiawoman** · 10-10-2011 09:30 AM

Chia seed does NOT need to be ground. It has a soft seed coat and does not need grinding (like flax) to be absorbed/used by the body. This is the beauty of chia. It's natural antioxidants also provide it with a long shelf life. Should you grind it, it will remain "fresh" for up to a year. You can store it in an airtight container, no refrigeration needed. The whole seed remains "fresh" for up to five years.

I don't grind it - a texture thing for me, but some do, usually in a spice/coffee grinder. You can also buy ground/milled chia.

**Seeker_Advice** · 10-11-2011 07:58 AM

Chia seed does NOT need to be ground. It has a soft seed coat and does not need grinding (like flax) to be absorbed/used by the body.

On what information do you base this statement?

To maximize the absorption of the nutritional benefits of most 'seeds' and ease in the digestion of same, they should be ground before you consume them.

Beware of those that have a product/subject in their name, a single post to their credit and post things that are not allowed by the rules of this forum.

**Claret** · 10-11-2011 09:24 AM

My nutritionist and cardiologist have also told me that to maximize the benefits of flax, the flax should be ground, releasing the essential oils. This should then be consumed within one hour. After that hour the health benefits for cholesterol reduction in the blood diminish but that the seeds themselves provide much needed bulk in the stool.

Thread: Flax Seed and Chia Seed

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Display

Flax Seed and Chia Seed

Similar Threads

Grape seed oil to prevent cancer

Flax Muffins

flax and breast health

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions